The King was in a joyous mood, sharing his happiness with everyone in the palace. He came looking for Kaikeyi, thinking he would tell her the news of their beloved Rama himself. He was surprised to find her finally in the ‘Anger Room’ as it was called. Puzzled by her tears and anger, her shabby clothes, her discarded jewels, he kept asking her what the cause of her sorrow was. But Kaikeyi kept silently crying. Finally, the desperate King said, “I promise, my beloved queen, to fulfil any wish you have. Please tell me why you are so upset?” “Do you remember the battle between the devas and the asuras, in which you had been wounded badly? You were unconscious in the chariot? I drove you to safety and saved your life! You promised to grant me two boons. Do you remember?” “Yes, of course, I remember,” confirmed Dasharatha.
Dasharatha Pleads
