HAPPY BDAY NABANITA DIDI AND ARNA DEAR.. A SMAL GIFT FOR YOU
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The sun shone more brightly then ever over the kingdom of Ayodhya. The colourful flowers all over bloomed gracefully, attracting butterflies and spread a beautiful fragrance throughout the kingdom. Glittering sunbeams flittered in and out the waters of the Saryu river. Everyone was happy with Maharaj Dashrath’s rule. The golden gem studded large palace was surrounded with lush green gardens.
“Yes, keep that on top of the table. Keep the flowers in that vase. Arrange those curtains properly. Remove those hangings which were hung yesterday. And light those diyas there, there shouldn’t be any trace of darkness,” spoke princess Sita instructing the maids to decorate the hall.
“Jiji, see I’ve embroidered these curtains specially, can we hang them along this window?” her sister Mandavi spoke in full excitement.
“Yes, they’re fabulous,” replied Sita. “You and Urmila manage all this, whilst I and Shrutkirti will go and see the food. But beware of Lakshman and Bharat. They’ll come spying here any moment. Raghuvar sent Shatrughan out for some work.”
“Don’t worry about Saumitra and Jijashri Bharat,” Urmila said entering the room with a smile. “I saw them engaged in some talks.”
Lakshman and Bharat are sitting in Ram’s room with Ram.
“Bhaiyya, you know what Urmila told me today morning?”
“What did she say Laal,” Ram said smiling.
“She said,’Saumitra, I don’t know what are you talking about. Today is nothing special. Yesterday was Jijashri’s birthday, that we all know. And we’ve celebrated it with great pomp. Your birthday is tomorrow. Now I’m very tired today. And anyways, even if there’s something special, it is that I’ve got a lot of work.’ And she left the room! How could she forget her Saumitra’s birthday?” Lakshman said keeping his head in Ram’s lap.
“You’re crying over this? She didn’t remember your birthday, maybe she must be busy that’s why. She’ll come running to you as soon as she recalls it and hug you. Then she’ll say,’Saumitra, I’m extremely sorry for being late. Actually I was so tired. But now I remembered. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWAMI!’,” Bharat said sadly. “But when you’ll know what happened with me you’ll forget this. Today morning when I got up, Mandvi was getting ready..”
“And you must’ve fallen for her looks that very moment,” Lakshman interrupted with a giggle.
“Shut up,” Bharat said rolling his eyes. “I’m serious and you’re joking?”
“Aw,” Lakshman said chuckling. “Look at your face.”
Bharat whispered in his ear,”Stop teasing me. When you’ll see Urmila then your face will be more red than mine,” and then continued,”Don’t interrupt me Lakhan. I thought to help her and so filled sindoor in her hairline..”
Ram giggled upon hearing this.
“Bhaiyya, you also!” Bharat said glaring at Ram.
“If anyone will happen to see you, the same reaction will be seen on his face,” Ram said smiling.
“Then I won’t tell.”
“Continue,” Ram said. “Neither I nor Lakshman will interfere.”
“So, I applied sindoor in her hairline. And then she turned to me with a smile and said Happy birthday swami.” Lakshman’s eyes grew wide as he heard it. “And then I expected a gift from her while she walked out.”
“At least she remembered your birthday,” Lakshman said sighing.
“What do you mean,” Bharat said with fake anger. “Yesterday we all planned such a great surprise for bhaiyya. We wished him happy birthday the moment he got up and then took him to the hall and presented such an amazing surprise. Sita Bhabhi cooked such wonderful delicacies and she fed him herself; with her own hands. Badi Mata also made Kheer for him but today, even at breakfast table none spoke a word.”
“I’m sure Mata can’t forget our birthday,” Lakshman said with a hopeful smile. “Lets go.” Lakshman and Bharat head towards Kaikeyi’s room but Ram stopped them.
“Wait!” Lakshman and Bharat turn to him.
“There’s not much time left for lunch and you can talk to them then.”
“But bhaiyya, we can’t wait.” Lakshman and Bharat started walking again while Ram ran and stopped them.
“Wait. Actually just now I recalled that Mata Kaushalya, Mata Kaikeyi and Mata Sumitra told me in the morning after breakfast that they’ll be doing some special prayers today so nobody should disturb them.”
“But bhaiyya,” Lakshman murmured.
“In my opinion you shouldn’t disturb them. Who knows, maybe they’re praying for you on your birthday,” Ram said patting his shoulder.
“We want their blessings on our birthday,” said Bharat.
“You two are acting like kids on your birthday,” Ram said smiling.
“We are. You know I always felt that Urmila is a reflection of Sita Bhabhi, but today I came to know that I was wrong. Sita Bhabhi remembered your birthday, she had asked us to prepare for your birthday, but Urmila..forgot mine.”
Ram sighed. He hoped that lunchtime comes soon and his brothers find the answers to all those questions which were forming in their mind.
“Mata, this tastes extremely wonderful,” Sita said tasting the curry made by Kaushalya. “I have never tasted something like this in my life.”
“Then what’ll you say when you’ll taste this?” Sumitra questioned handing her a bowl of fried rice.
“Obviously Mata, when you’ve made it with love for your children, we’ll like it,” Sita said smiling. Shrutkirti nodded in approval. She ate a spoonful of it and started making weird expressions as if she didn’t like it.
“What happened, is the salt less? Is the salt much? Is there much spice? Or is it tasting like boiled rice without any spice? Did I add sugar instead of salt? Did I mistakenly add extra turmeric? What happened Kirti why’re you not replying?” Sumitra asked all the questions in one go, while Urmila stared her with a wide mouth. Sita took another spoonful from the bowl and relished it delightfully. How could it be bad when it had a mother’s love?
“Mata, so many questions, you almost frightened me!” Kirti said, still gaping at her.
“But daughter, it’s you who frightened me,” Sumitra said.
“Mata, it’s delicious. Awesome.”
“Yes Mata, it’s very tasty,” Sita said taking other spoonful. “Kirti was making those expressions to frighten you.”
“Mata, you go and sit in the hall. We will manage the rest. And the maids are here to help us, right jiji?” Shrutkirti said to divert the topic. Sita nodded.
“Alright,” Kaikeyi said. “When our daughters are here, we don’t need to worry.”
“You’re right Kaikeyi,” Kaushalya replied. “I’m sure our daughters won’t leave their duties incomplete.”
“Bhaiyya, did you see Kirti somewhere?” Shatrughan said coming to Ram’s room where the trio were talking.
“You?” Ram said looking shocked.
“Why can’t I be here bhaiyya?” Shatrughan asked getting puzzled.
“No, I meant you came back so soon?”
“Yes bhaiyya, actually the work is done. So I came back before lunchtime.”
Ram rubbed his head. ‘Two were getting too difficult to stop, now third also came. I wonder where Sita is. She said that she’ll come soon, but now it seems that I wont be able to stop them for long.’
“Where’s Kirti,” Shatrughan repeated his words.
“Did you check the hall?” Bharat intervened.
“Yes.”
Ram opened his eyes widely in shock. How did he enter the hall? Did he see the surprise?
“Did you check the dining hall?”
“No.”
Ram smiled in relief.
“Did you check the kitchen? She must be in the kitchen as it is lunchtime.”
“The food is ready,” came a cheerful sweet voice. “You all are invited to the dining hall.”
“Kirti, you here? Why didn’t you send a maid to inform?” Shatrughan asked in utter confusion.
“Oh swami, come and see for yourself,” Shrutkirti replied smiling widely.
“Alright Kirti, come bhaiyya lets go.”
Shrutkirti ran away on top speed and the four brothers followed her slowly, talking about their birthdays.
“Jiji, they are here! Everything is ready na?”
“Yes, everything is ready, control your excitement my dear sister Kirti,” said Sita smiling widely.
“Jiji, I can’t wait nor can I control myself. I just want to wish him his special day as soon as possible.”
“Control Kirti, even we’re so excited, but we’ve to wait until they come,” Urmila said placing the bowl of curry and rice over the table. Sita nodded and kept a bowl of sweets on the table. “They’re here,” Mandvi said filled with enthusiasm.
“What a fragrance,” Lakshman said smiling contendly as the brothers entered the room.
“Fried rice, curry, Kheer, Gulab jamun, laddoo, pooris,” Bharat said as he removed the cover from all the delicacies. “Wow, all seems so delicious!”
“And look at that painting,” Shatrughan said pointing towards a painting hanging on the wall. It was a large painting of the four princes of Raghukul, and under it there was banner on which it was written,’ Happy birthday to the stars of Ayodhya, Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughan.’
The brothers smiled and turned to their wives, who were smiling radiantly as well. They turned their eyes all around the hall, which was shining more beautifully than ever. Beautiful crystal-studded hangings were hanging from the ceiling. King Dashrath entered the room just then. Everyone took his blessings. He looked all around the room and smiled. “Brilliant!”he exclaimed looking around at the beautiful decoration. “After my queens, it’s only you whose who’ve those beautiful decorating skills, which will make anyone’s eyes stick to this decor. I’m so happy that you’re the kulvadhus of Ayodhya.” Sita, Mandvi, Urmila and Shrutkirti took blessings of Dashrath. The three queens of Ayodhya, Kaushalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra hugged their sons wishing them a very happy birthday.
Everyone took their seats in the large dining hall, which was decorated beautifully, adorned more by the presence of the Royal family.
“Bhaiyya, did you know about all this,” Lakshman whispered in Ram’s ears. Ram looked at Sita, looking for an answer, while Sita simply blinked her eyes, telling him to tell the truth.
“Yes,” Ram whispered to Lakshman. “Otherwise why would I stop you from going to meet our mothers?”
“But bhaiyya, you said they’re praying. I think they were in the kitchen cooking food. Because making these delightful delicacies aren’t anyone’s cup of tea. They’re surely made by Mata.”
“They were praying and making food as well.”
“How’s that possible?”
“Work is worship Lakshman.”
“Oh, this way you meant it? Now I got it,” Lakshman said taking his first bite.
Everyone finished their food mirthfully. But the fun wasn’t yet over!
“I thought you forgot it,” Lakshman said holding Urmila’s hands.
“How could you think so?” Urmila said with fake anger.
“Just my wish” Lakshman said smiling. “You almost frightened me. You don’t even know how much I got worried.”
“Worried?”
“Yes, I got worried, thinking that you must’ve hurt your head that’s why you forgot my birthday,” Lakshman said making an innocent face, which made Urmila laugh.
“Those curtains are embroidered by you, right?” Bharat asked Mandvi while looking at the rainbow coloured curtains. Mandvi nodded and there was a silence for about five minutes. Urmila noticed that and got up from her seat. She went near the painting of the four brothers hanging on the wall and said,”The surprise is not yet over!” Everyone turned to look at her. She pulled a rope hanging at its side and one by one unveiled another painting from beneath it. They had the childhood memories of the brothers. The first painting depicted the four kids with their mothers and father. The second one had the four brothers feeding each other. The third one had the four brothers practicing archery, and the fourth one had the brothers cracking jokes and laughing at each other.
Bharat whispers to Lakshman in a joking voice,”Seems like you were right when you told me that Urmila is a mayavi rakshashi. We saw the proof right in front of our eyes. Did you see? How did she make such accurate paintings she made of our childhood?”
Lakshman says,”Maybe you’re right , but I have another theory also.”
“Theory?”
“Yes, maybe Mata must’ve showed her some childhood paintings of her?”
“But look at them, it seems like they also were totally unaware of this surprise.”
“That’s confusing,” Shatrughna interrupted. “What else is possible?”
Ram and Sita, who were listening to their talks broke into laughter hearing their talks.
“You’re forgetting me,” Ram said patting Shatrughan’s shoulder. “Neither is Urmila a demoness possessing special powers, nor mothers have anything to do with it. I’m behind it.”
“Yes,” said Sita. “Raghunandan told us how you all looked in childhood. And, it was his idea only to add these paintings to our plan.”
“Oh ya, yes,” Lakshman said in an attempt to taunt Urmila. “I knew she can never do any sort of magic.”
Before Urmila could speak anything, Bharat interrupted, “Yes yes, the magic she has done on you is clearly visible.” All broke into giggles, except Lakshman, who was looking at them innocently as if he didn’t know that they’re laughing on him. Mandvi whispered to Bharat,”Best answer. Look at his face.”
—-
Shrutkirti rushed to her room and took out a bundle of flowers, to be more precise, a bouquet which was covered with cloth. “Urmila jiji and Sita jiji made those paintings assisted by jijashri, Mandvi jiji had embroidered those beautiful curtains, but I didn’t do enough for swami. I just did some small things to help my sisters, and just made this bouquet of flowers for him.” Shatrughan entered the room just then and got shocked to see Shrutkirti crying. “Kirti, what happened?”
Shrutkirti simply showed him the bouquet and that was enough for Shatrughan to understand why she was crying. “It’s one of the best gifts I’ve received ever,” he said cupping Shrutkirti’s face.
“Best?” Shrutkirti gaped at him with her eyes widened.
“Yes,” Shatrughan said placing the bouquet in a vase in their room. “Because you put all your love in it.” He wiped her tears and they hugged each other.
—-
Sita entered her room smiling happily as everything went as she had expected.
“Thank you,” Ram said as she entered.
“Thanks?”
“Yes, for making my brothers’ special day so special.”
“What’re you saying Arya? You know very well I alone couldn’t have done it at all. Without your help and my sisters’ support doing it was impossible.”
“It was also impossible if we didn’t have such a planner like you.”
“Without you how could we make those paintings?”
“Whose idea was it?”
“Without you who would’ve kept Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughan from coming in the hall?”
“Without you nobody could’ve decorated that hall. Wasn’t it impossible without you?”
Sita sighed and said,”Wrong. It was impossible if we weren’t together. Till we’re together, nothing is impossible.”
—-
“I still doubt that,” Lakshman said entering his room.
“Doubt what, Saumitra,” Urmila asked puzzled.
“How did you make those paintings?”
“If you doubt it so much, why don’t you go and ask your bhaiyya?”
“Because I want you to tell me.”
“Nothing much. Yesterday after lunch time Sita jiji came to me and asked if I could assist her in making paintings of your childhood. I was confused, how could I make? Then she told me that jijasri would tell us what to make. So when you were asleep, we all went in the garden and together made those paintings. But you looked cute in childhood.”
“So much for my birthday?”
“Obviously Saumitra, because you deserve these gifts for..”
“For?”
“For..”
“For?”
Urmila got up and said,”For tolerating such a person like me daily,” and ran away. Lakshman ran behind her, and eventually caught her.
The four couples talked all what they could, fully happy to be together, and the sun set with the stars and moon shining as the night came..
—-
THE END.. Jai shri Siya Ram ?
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