Satataharitam - Short Stories On Narayana

Janakimanohara

From the perspective of ShriRamapranadhika, my Maa Sita.

×××××

My eyes narrowed in curiosity as I saw two youngsters (probably older than me-) walking into the palace behind Maharishi Vishvamitra, whom my father had invited for my Svayamvara.

Obviously, the men were both princes. I could make out from their exquisite clothing and jewelry. But the most important ornament of the darker skinned man was what caught my attention. His smile.

It took me a bit to realise that I'd been staring at a very respectable prince, and though I was at quite a distance from him, he had possibly spotted me.

I thought I'd get over the awkwardness. I did too. But I couldn't get over him. I couldn't help but think if he was there for my Svayamvara.

I couldn't believe it, but I was falling for him. No, it wasn't just attraction. I felt like I knew him. I felt like I was hopelessly in love with him. And it was the most beautiful feeling ever.

×××

'Wow, Sita! Wow!'

That was my mind chiding me after I'd banged into this nice, tall man, and had accidentally poured water on his clothes. I wasn't just strolling around with water for no reason, I was actually watering the Tulsi plant, and this man was right behind me when I turned around and walked without looking and bathed his clothes. What an accomplishment!

I was absolutely terrified. What if this man was easily irritable, and had dangerous anger? What if he...cursed me? You know, there were a good number of Rishis and their disciples there, so...why not? It was a possibility! What if he told Pa of what an irresponsible princess I was. Obviously, Pa wasn't going to say anything to me, but he'd be disappointed to know of my behaviour.

I took a deep breath. This wasn't the time to think nonsense. I needed to act. I needed to apologise. Fast.

Wincing, I looked up to see the face of the man, and his innocent face yet his shocked expression made me lose my voice. I didn't know what I was doing! Staring at him again? And this time, so closely?

I couldn't take my eyes off his. I couldn't even think of anything other than him. I didn't know what was happening to me. But all I saw was him. I had nothing to say. I didn't know how to apologise. I couldn't even think, let alone speaking!

"Rajkumari," the Prince began, stepping back slightly, and breaking my possibly offensive stare. "I-I hope you're okay."

Oh, this man! He was hoping I was okay when he was drenched in water. What a heart of gold-

"Rajkumari Sita?" he repeated, when I lost myself in my dreamland again.

But I was back into my dreamland soon after listening to his voice. Many people said Sita was a beautiful name. But when he said it, it sounded like heaven. I wanted to hear him call me that over and over again.

"Rajkumari, are you sure you're okay?"

I looked at him for a moment and nodded. "Call me Sita, please, Prince." I realised what I had said only after it was out, but I was happy I had said it.

"I-um..." He trailed off sheepishly, trying not to look at me. "I'm Rama, from Kosala. Don't call me Prince." he said.

My eyes widened. "R-Rama?" I stuttered. "You mean you just killed Tadaka and Subahu on your way here?" I asked.