Free SITA’S SISTER by Kavita Kane Page A

swayed by their love for their wives? The brothers collectively epitomised a transcendental bonding; would the sisters, as their wives, introduce a new polarity of authority and power? Just a few days ago, she had been put to test on the choice she would make. And unthinkingly, blindly, she had opted for Sita, not believing or trusting Lakshman. In one insane moment, she had believed the worst of him and within that decisive second, her love for him had evaporated into hatred, which had not hesitated to kill him with his own dagger. In those terrible moments, Urmila had experienced the dilemma which her mother was so fearful about, and like her mother, Urmila did not like what it portended.
    ‘What is to happen, shall unfold,’ she sighed. ‘Without intention, we are powerless in directing or determining what is to come. But in the present, let’s not analyse and doubt the intensity of our love. I simply pray that we have the strength and convictions to make the right choice were such a situation forced upon us. And if it does, let us be brave enough to face the consequences!’
    Her mother gave her a strange look, but Urmila also detected a trace of sadness which she found disconcerting. ‘I am trying to warn you of what might await you, as a mother and above all, as a woman who has seen quite a few relationships change colour and conviction,’ remarked Sunaina dryly. ‘I know you well, girls. You are sensitive and sensible and I am so proud of you! I know you shall be strong enough to take the right decision and know how to live, and love.’
    But for all her brave words, Urmila was not too sure about the terms their future would dictate on her and her sisters.

THE REJECTION

    Mandavi, for all her pretentious claims, could not take her eyes off the portrait. Not that the portrait was a piece of art, discerned Urmila’s critical eye, but the man in the portrait definitely was. After glancing at Shatrughna’s miniature which Kirti seemed to be mooning over as well, Urmila concluded fairly that Bharat was the best looking of the brothers. Broad forehead, a pair of deep set eyes, a finely chiselled nose over perfectly shaped lips. He was incredibly good looking, a quality which any girl would find difficult to resist. Mandavi could not remain immune for long either and Urmila could well surmise that it would not take Mandavi long to accept the marriage proposal. King Dashrath had shrewdly known what he was about to accomplish when he had sent the portraits over with the letter. He knew the answer well before he finally received the expected reply in Janak’s neat hand. The four princesses of Videha would be marrying the four princes of Kosala on the date already fixed. Just a week away and the twin cities of Ayodhya and Mithila burst into a frenzy of activity and euphoria.
    Urmila found it wonderfully strange that just a few days ago, she was preparing for her sister’s wedding and now she was going to be a bride herself! The sisters running errands till yesterday were today’s brides-to-be. Getting pampered and fawned upon and being dolled and decked up was a delicious feeling; Urmila was enjoying the indulgence. The only dull spot was that she rarely got to catch a glimpse of the man she was soon to marry. She wanted to talk to him personally, and openly, about their official engagement but the series of pre-wedding events at the palace prevented her from meeting him. Neither did he make any attempt to seek her out. It was a disquieting feeling but Urmila tried to cheerfully brush it off as bridal nerves.
    That morning her father had asked the four girls to seek the blessings of Rishi Vishwamitra, who it seemed, had been the chief brain masterminding the four weddings, silently and piously. As Urmila stood before him, she saw him in a new light. He was surprisingly very good looking but formidable with his angry, piercing eyes—a lot like Lakshman’s, Urmila thought with mild amusement. He was tall and well