Lakshmana had waited outside the door and was furious at Kaikeyi. Rama calmed him down. He had to uphold his father’s promise and ensure that his word was honoured. Lakshmana said he would go with him to serve him in the forest. Nothing Rama said would stop him. Rama told his mother, Kaushalya, who was grief-stricken, but unable to stop him from doing Kaikeyi’s bidding. She too had to uphold Dasharatha’s honour. Sumitra was upset too. But the two mothers gave their blessings with tears in their eyes to Rama and Lakshmana. When Rama went to take leave of Seeta, she very quietly but firmly refused to stay back in the palace without Rama. She was his wife and her place was by his side, whether they were in the palace or in a forest. Lakshmana refused to take Urmila, his wife, as he had to serve his brother without any distractions.
Parting from the Family
