Confessions Of Urmila 05 - The Prince From Ayodhya Poem by Unnikrishnan Sivasankara Menon

Vishwamitra introduced the ‘boys'
to the Rajasabha: 'this is Ram,
the eldest of the princes of Ayodhya
and this, Lakshman, his brother.'

I gasped, before I could close my mouth
and take a second look at the travelers
to confirm what the Brahmarshi said
he turned to the King and continued

'We are returning from a mission,
they just saved our aashram
in Thadakaavanam by driving out
Thadaka and her companions,

'tired of long travel as we are,
need to freshen up and rest a little
before we continue our journey
we need reach Ayodhya the earliest.'

Father welcomed them most politely
ordered his brother to take good care
of the guests, who are, he repeated,
the most honourable guests of all.

'After you have had sufficient rest
I request the Princes to join us
in the Rajasabha and participate
in the Swayamvaram of my daughter Sita.'

'the Princes of Ayodhya shall not
participate in ceremonies that
they are not invited to', replied
Vishwamitra smiling, but sternly.

Father explained to him that
the invitation was sent to Ayodhya
but was informed as Ram was out
on an errand, no one would participate.

The Brahmarshi relented
and it seemed to me that
a faint smile flashed on
the faces of the Princes.