Rama and Vashishta

 Breakfast is in full swing in the lunch hall. One could hear the laughter ringing from far off. The camaraderie shared by the brothers is envied across the kingdom. After the breakfast, Lakshman pulled Ram aside. “Brother, Is it possible for you to excuse me from administrative duties for couple of days?” he asked sheepishly. “Why Lakshmana? Is something wrong”, Ram looked concerned. “Urmila wants to visit Kashmir before she goes into labour. The legend in Mithila is that if a pregnant lady visits Kashmir during her pregnancy, the child will look like snow”, he responded grinning. Rama laughed and said, “Take as many days as you want Lakshmana, Urmila’s wish is our command.” Lakshman thanked him and took his leave. 

  But, Ram was getting flustered. He remembered the time during Sita’s pregnancy. He commanded Lakshman to leave her in forest to carry out his duty as a king. “Ah, how have I failed in my duty as a husband. I haven’t been at her side when she needed the most. My kids would be growing up without knowing their father. How I wish to tell them that they are the heirs to the mighty Ayodhya!”, Ram collapsed in despair. He sent a word to his minister that he’s unwell and asked him to perform duties in his absence.

  It’s late evening. Guards brought the news that Sage Vashishta has come to see him. Ram changed himself and went to the door to welcome the sage. After exchanging pleasantries, Vashishta asked Ram, “Why are you looking so flustered Rama? What’s bothering you?” Ram hesitated for a moment and asked, “ I sent Sita away to forests to fulfil Rajdharma? But, I have failed in my duty to my wife and kid. Did I make the right decision?” 

  “Rama! You know what the washerman said. He said, "Rules apply only to the common men. Our rulers are beyond that." If that’s the perception among people, it is hard to uphold Dharma. You did what is necessary of you as a king?” Ram responded, “Oh learned one! The entire world knew that my Sita has done no mistake after Agnipravesha. Isn’t it unjust to send her away because someone said something without proper knowledge. What about me? I’ve been longing to see her all the time. What mistake have I done to suffer this punishment? What sort of Rajdharma is this that causes misery to people who have committed no mistake”

  Vashishta says, “Rama! I agree that your family have been wronged. But, it is the duty of your family to put your country before yourselves. Your decision is necessary to uphold justice in the kingdom. Your action shows the world that everyone is equal before law. What sins have all the soldiers who fought your war against Ravana committed? Why should they fight for you in your rescue mission of Sita? It’s their duty for their motherland. This is your duty towards your kingdom.”

  Rama asks, “My decision would’ve been correct if Sita committed a mistake. Sita hasn’t committed any mistake. In Lanka, Vibheeshana turned against his brothers to side with righteousness. He turned against his entire country and fought war with us for the sake of Dharma. If he’s praised for taking Dharma’s side even if it’s against his duty for his kingdom, why is it wrong if I do the same?”

  Vashista responds, “Rama! Your duty is to express your views in the council, which you’ve done very elegantly. But the council decided to send Sita to forests. It would be unwise of you to have opposed their decision. If you override the council in matters pertaining to you today, you could do it for someone else tomorrow. It’s a slippery slope that you’ve to avoid”

  “Am I a weak person for grieving over this? Am I a bad king for being emotional”, Rama asked his final question.

  “Emotions are part and parcel of human life. In this avatar, being born as a human, it is necessary that you experience the pains and pleasures of life. Honestly, that is what gives the ruler empathy to make good decisions. A king who can not feel pain is as good as a rulebook. What use is a rulebook when it has to decide on matters that affects lives of millions of people. Your story will be a shining example of how humans have to live in adversity. Worry not Rama! Your sacrifices will never go in vain”, with this Vashishta took his leave. After a long time, the goddess of sleep bestows its boon on Rama

  

PS: This story is entirely my imagination and views are personal