009: Rama Departs from Ayodhya

Rama Enters Kaikeyi’s palace and is distraught at the immediate sight of his father lying on the floor. He rushes to lift his father to a better place to sit. Dasharatha wasn’t able to say much due to the agony. Continuously calling out Rama’s name and is partially concious. Rama offers to bring in the royal doctors to help his dad… but was refused. He finally asks Kaikeyi on what exactly happened. Kaikeyi narrates the 2 promises she got from Dasharatha long back and wants them fulfilled now. Rama shows no regret, Offers to wait until Bharata returns, finish his coronation and leave to the forest immediately. Kaikeyi wasn’t happy with the offer. She insists Rama leaves immediately. And even makes an audacious claim that Dasharatha will get better as soon as Rama leaves. Contrary to that, Dasharatha is holding Rama’s hand tight, pleading not to leave. Rama excuses himself and rushes to his mother Kausalya. Kausalya receives Rama happily with no idea on what’s coming up. Rama informs her of the change in events. Kausalya is shattered. He plight was appalling. After a good long time hugging and refusing to let him go, Rama convinces her that Dasharatha needs her more at this stage. He leaves his mom at Kaikeyi’s palace. Kausalya, seeing her husband’s state rushes to care for him. Rama heads to Sita’s chamber, she was choosing what to wear for the ceremony. She wonders why there was no one accompanying the future king. She asks if all was alright. Rama informs he has to leave. Sita stops what she’s doing and sets off to go with Rama. Rama refuses and requests her to stay back. But Sita did not give up. Lakshmana doesn’t leave Rama’s side. He insists on joining them to the forest. Sita permits Lakshmana.