With a heavy heart, Dasharatha called Sumantra. Kaikeyi sent him to fetch Rama immediately. Sumantra gave the message to Rama, who hurried to obey. Rama entered the Anger Room, and was shocked to see his father sitting on the ground, looking shattered. “Mother,” he asked Kaikeyi. “What has happened to father?” “Rama, your father promised me two boons long ago. Last night I asked for them,” explained Kaikeyi, “I asked that Bharata should be the Crown Prince and you should go into exile for fourteen years into the forest.” “Is that all?” asked Rama, “It will be done as you wish, Mother.” It was Kaikeyi’s turn to be surprised. Rama had accepted her instructions without any argument! Dasharatha still looked stunned. Rama bent to touch her feet and his father’s before he left the room to inform his mother and Seeta.
Dasharatha’s Heavy Heart
