Bharata and Shatrughna rode elephants from Ayodhya to the village of Nandigrama alongside the King’s elephant as it adorned Rama’s sandals on his head for the short journey. With the frustration of 1000 suns, the brothers barely spoke during their expedition because of the recent loss of their father and exile of their brother who they desired to be their King. Shatrughna finally broke the silence when he asked his brother to explain how Rama looked when he visited him.
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| Bharata on his journey to find Rama |
“From a far I could see him before I approached him. His hair was very dirty-- beard untrimmed, and his skin was patchy with mud. He was dressed in black deerskin. I do not know how to fashion such garments. I am lucky I was not banished for 14 years, for I would have had a difficult experience.”
Satrughna was pleased with the appearance of his oldest brother Rama. Knowing of Rama’s intelligence and numerous skills in hunting and battle, Satrughna was not worried for Rama’s life, but he was curious about his brothers conversation regarding the throne. Satrughna asked, “Brother, will you explain why you placed Rama’s sandals on father’s elephant? What is the future of our Kingdom?”
“After speaking with Rama, it became clear that he had no intentions of forsaking our father’s word. With the understanding that our people would have to wait 14 years for a proper ruler, and knowing that our ruler would live in the forest with no luxuries for those 14 years, I decided I do not deserve to rest in Ayodhya without Rama. I have brought the throne and I will place Rama’s sandals upon it and I will only rule in trust for our true King.”
“Do you not fear that leaving Ayodhya will cause riots?”
“No, our people are strong. Just as Rama is strong.”
“Do you not fear that resting in another village will force our people to find refuge elsewhere?”
“No, our people are intelligent. Just as Rama is intelligent.”
“Do you have any fears?”
“Only for Rama. There is one thing I have not told you yet.”
“Okay… tell me!”
“If Rama does not return on the first day after 14 years, I will have no reason to continue my life and I have vowed to walk into a fire and let the flames bring death upon me.”
“That is a little extreme, brother.”
“Rama is a little extreme.”
Author's note: I decided to write what I imagined a conversation would be like between Bharata and Shatrughna as if they were sort of like my own brothers. I thought this kind of lightened up their conversation, while also making it a bit more relatable and easier to imagine.
Works cited:
Buck, William (1976). Ramayana: King Rama's Way.
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Hi Mary! This storytelling is so creative! I hadn't thought of what Bharata's thoughts might be on his journey home! I liked how you pointed out Bharata's personal stake in Rama's return from exile. It was great to see the dynamic between Bharata and Shatrughna, who we don't really hear from a lot in the book. The dialogue added a lot. Great job! I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteHey Mary, I really loved your story! I can definitely see the sibling love going on and that last sentence is priceless. Only the truest of brothers could say such things! Anyway, I thought it was a perfectly imagined conversation between brothers and it definitely brought some humor and fun to the story. The only thing I wish is that it was a little bit longer. Good job!
ReplyDeleteHi Mary. I love the way that you adapt this story to display more of the familial relationships. It is nice to see how the two brothers are bonding as they talk of the future. I think that the way you casually brought into the discussion how Bharata will end his life if Rama does not return is interesting. It makes it seem very matter of fact, not something to be discussed or given any more thought. Over all, great job!
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