The Departure from Ayodhya
Once upon a time, in the ancient city of Ayodhya, reigned a noble king named Dasharatha. He had three wives - Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra, each of whom gave birth to a son.
The eldest, Rama, son of Kausalya, was beloved by all. His youthful grace, wisdom, courage, and unwavering duty, and his beautiful wife, Sita, made a charming couple that everyone admired. His brother, Lakshmana, usually accompanied them everywhere - a trio blessed with inseparable bonds.
However, fate had a cruel twist in store. Kaikeyi, the youngmost queen, under the manipulative advice of her maid Manthara, asked Dasharatha for two boons he once promised to fulfill. She requested Rama to be sent to exile for 14 years, and Bharata, her son, to be crowned as king. Dasharatha, heartbroken and bound by his word, had no choice but to comply and soon breathed his last out of severe anguish.
The day came when Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana had to leave. The air was full of sorrow, the skies wept, and a heavy gloom settled over Ayodhya. Mothers, fathers, friends, and well-wishers lined the street, their hearts heavy and eyes brimming with tears were unwilling to bid adieu.
Rama, in his simple attire, with Sita and Lakshmana beside him, stepped out of the palace, his gaze steady and spirit unbroken. Yet, his heart ached. Sita, herself a princess and unaccustomed to hardship, nevertheless held her head high, ready to share her beloved’s remorse. Beside them, Lakshmana, the ever-loyal, stood firm, vowing to protect his brother and sister-in-law.
As they moved through the crowd, the people of Ayodhya shed rivers of tears. Rama, their beloved prince, leaving into the wilderness was an unbearable sight. Their hearts prayed for his safety and courage and the strength to endure the harsh life of the woods.
Bharata, who was away during these events, returned to an empty palace. Grief-stricken at the death of his father and devastated at the news of Rama's exile, he refused to ascend the throne. Instead, he rushed to meet Rama in the forest, begging him to return.
Rama, however, understanding his father's commitment, chose to respect it. He promised Bharata that he would return after completing the stipulated 14 years.
The brothers hugged, emotionally, as a promise was made. As Bharata returned with Rama's sandals, which he would place on the throne as a symbol of Rama's righteous rule, the prince with his wife and brother returned deeper into the forest, their hearts heavy, yet filled with hope.
Despite the immense sorrow at their departure, the tale of The Departure from Ayodhya unfolds several virtues – duty, respect, commitment, courage, and even the power of love and faith. The departure not just left traces of tears but also lessons of life.