AT CHITRAKOOT

                                    

                                          
With a heavy heart, Bharat stood by the funeral pyre. His hands were trembling like a dry leaf on tree, as he lit it. While the absence of Ram weighed heavily on his soul by leaving a huge void in the solemn proceedings. 
As Dashrath's second eldest son, it fell upon him to perform the last rites, but the absence of his elder brother cast a shadow over the ritual. The flames crackled, by echoing the sorrow of the gathered crowd. Every eye was wet by grief as the 
second prince struggled to fulfill his duty, by knowing that the proper rites couldn't be conducted according to the law without Ram's presence.
Dasharatha's pyre started burning, with its full capacity. And along with it, his last wish of seeing Ram becoming the king of Ayodhya got burnt in the same flame. The crowd around it was silently praying for the salvation of the departured soul. And the the only audible things were the blazing woods and Bharat's weeping in Shatrughna's arms.
After the rituals, Bharat immediately got ready to step into the promise he had made to all.... for bringing Ram back to his rightful place. 
Entire palace got ready with enthusiasm, as they believed Ram, Sita and Lakshman will definitely return. Because Ayodhya needs them. The queens, Sumant, Vashishta, Bharat, Mandvi, Shatrughna, Shrutkirti, Urmila and so many other officials of Ayodhya court along with some sages.... all embarked on the journey to bring the three of them back to their rightful place. 
Urmila had nothing to say or do. Her mind was blank, and eyes were icy dry, which was holding a tsunami of tears behind. She stood beside Mandvi and Shrutkirti in their chariot and silently moved towards the destination. 
They passed through the path, which Ram, Lakshman and Sita had taken. With overwhelmed heart, Bharat and Shatrughna were stopping at each place, wherever they had stayed or rested. 
Urmila was desparate to capture the glance of those, where her Saumitra had stayed. But her soul didn't permit, as it could break the walls of her patience to hold back tears. 
As they met Nishadraj, the tribal king and a good friend of Ram, Bharat bowed down to him while bursting into tears again. Before entering the deep forest, Ram Sita and Lakshman had stayed in his region. He had served him really well. Also at the hermitage of Maharshi Bharadwaj. 
After understanding the situations of Ayodhya, Nishadraj unveiled the current location of the three, which was Chitrakoot hill. 
Bharat offered his soulful gratitude and Nishadraj also joined them in the journey upto Ram Lakshman and Sita.
After crossing some distance a messenger came with the information of exact location of Ram in Chitrakoot, as they all proceeded in that perticular direction. 
Deep within green forest, the picturesque hut of Ram and Sita was standing amidst a lush, floral paradise. The distant trickle of the Mandakini river was providing a soothing soundtrack, by complementing the joyful chirping of birds. Peacocks were flaunting their vibrant plumage as deer and rabbits were roaming freely around. Sunlight was filtering through the dense canopy, by illuminating the hut's dry grass roof with a golden glow. In this idyllic setting, nature's harmonious dance creates a haven of natural beauty and peaceful serenity.
All heart turned numb again. Especially Bharat, as if his soul shattered when his eyes got graced by Ram, who was feeding a baby deer while Sita was roasting some sweet potatos nearby. 
"Bhaiya...."- Bharat's voice was cracked and slossing with pain and longing. 
As Ram's ears caught Bharat's trembling voice, he abruptly looked back, as his heart was pounding with anticipation. Bharat was already on his knees before him, hands clasped in a desperate plea. Without hesitation, Ram rushed to him, by enfolding him in a fierce embrace. Their bodies were trembling with the weight of unspoken sorrow.