Urmila sat on a ledge beside the lake, lost in thought. It had been a year since Lakshman left with Ram and Sita for Vanvas*. She still remembered that day clearly. When Lakshman had decided to accompany Ram, she hadn’t wasted even a split second to make up her mind. She had decided to go with Lakshman. After all what charm did the palace hold for her without him? But Lakshman was afraid that Ram might decline his company if Urmila insisted on joining. Thus he had clearly said ‘No’ to her joining him, breaking her heart.
Her reverie was disturbed when she heard a soft splashing in the water. She glanced in the direction of the lake. Two beautiful swans were swimming in the middle. She watched as they moved closer, as if to kiss each other. She watched as one of them slowly turned red; shy probably. She wasn’t sure whether it was the blush or just her imagination that made her think such things. She averted her eyes from the scene. She couldn’t watch anymore. She would give privacy to the swans and spare herself the torment and pain of separation.
The cool evening breeze distracted her for a moment. She fixed her glance on a distant plant which was swaying to the rhythm of the wind. A lonely flower caught her eye. She wondered if it was as lonely as her. She absently rubbed her hands together as the wind blew again. A tear escaped her eyes as memories of Lakshman started haunting her. It had been just a year since he had left but for her it seemed like a life time! Each passing second was like an eternity without him. She didn’t know how long she could bear the pain. She wondered what sin she had committed in her previous birth that had brought upon such suffering now! She wished time could fly and Lakshman could return soon; but she knew better. It was a wish that wasn’t coming true!
She sighed and walked towards the plant she was staring at. “Are you waiting for someone too?” she asked bending slightly towards the lonely flower that had caught her attention. She knew it wouldn’t reply but she felt better talking to it. Perhaps, it, too, was like her – lonely! “I am waiting too” she said straightening up “And one day, the wait will finally be over. Till then let’s fight this loneliness together” A faint smile crossed her lips. Yes, she would have to endure it, somehow. That was the only option she had. And when Lakshman came back, she would never let him go again!
*Vanavas – Exile in the forest. In the Ramayana, Ram and Sita were exiled for fourteen years. Lakshman, Ram’s brother accompanied them.
(Image source: Artist Raja Ravi Varma “Lady In the Moonlight” from Public Domain works)
Very valid example of seperation and sacrifice from the epics.The real experience as we can understand is even more torturous. However,in case of Urmila,she got a boon by which she could overcome this lonliness….She got the sleep gooddess to bestow her with her husbands’ share of sleep till he returns, that saved her from most of the grief and suffering.