SITA'S GUILT

                                    

                                          
Urmila didn't realize how many hours had passed as she wept in Lakshman's arms, her tears were soaking through his Angavastram. Lakshman stayed with her, comforting her without flinching. His embrace was providing a steady anchor. The room was filled with an air of deep sadness and unspoken words.
Then, a soft, soothing voice came from the entrance of the room, gentle yet heavy with emotion. "Urmi..." - The voice was unmistakable, the warmth it carried like a familiar melody. It was a voice filled with longing, and it made Urmila's heart skip a beat, and she lift her head from Lakshman's chest to look at her door.
"Sita didi..."- a whisper left her lips by recognizing her sister instantly. Without a moment's hesitation, she ran to Sita, jumping into her arms with all the eagerness of a child reunited with a long-lost friend. The embrace was tight, desperate, and filled with a sense of coming home.
Sita held her tightly, her own tears were flowing freely. It was as if this moment was a balm for the years of separation. Her arms wrapped around Urmila's waist, refusing to let go, as though holding her sister could somehow erase the distance and the pain of the past fourteen years.
"I missed you the most, my sister," -Sita said, her voice was breaking with emotion. 
"These fourteen years were too difficult without you." -Her words carried a depth of feeling that only those who have experienced long separation could understand. As the tears fell, they washed away the grief, and in that moment, the sisters found solace in each other's arms. It was as if the lost time melted away, replaced by the comfort of sisterhood and the strength of their bond.
After the initial wave of tears and emotion, the sisters loosened their embrace, wiping each other's eyes as they exchanged affectionate smiles. It was then that Urmila noticed a dusky tall figure standing near the door. It was Ram, his eyes were damp with tears of his own, watching the joyful reunion of the sisters with a gentle smile.
Urmila immediately dropped to her knees and touched Ram's feet in respect.- "Pranam bhaiya"
With a warm and affectionate gesture, Ram urged her to stand. "May you be blessed with every happiness in the world " -he said, helping her to her feet.
Urmila looked at him with deep gratitude. -"I don't know what to say, . You saved my didi from that hideous Ravan and brought her back safe. I will always be grateful to you for this. Now that you are back, our Ayodhya got it's soul back."
Ram's smile was calm and reassuring. -"You don't have to thank me, Urmila. It was my duty as her husband to protect her. But I must express my own gratitude to you. You took care of Ayodhya and our family. Your strength and dedication allowed me to live in the forest for fourteen years without worrying about the kingdom or those we left behind. You shouldered a burden most couldn't bear."
Urmila bowed her head slightly,  being touched by his words. "It was my duty as well. I'm glad that you trusted me with such a responsibility," - she replied. The two exchanged a look filled with mutual respect and understanding.
Then Ram turned to Sita, who had been watching with a mix of pride and contentment. "Site, we should leave now and give Urmila some time with her Saumitra,"- he said with his lovely smile. Ram's words brought a light blush to both Urmila and Lakshman's cheeks, the subtle reminder of their love as husband and wife.
Sita's smile widened, and her eyes sparkled with a little mischief. She wrapped her arm around Urmila's and tugged her close. "My apologies, Swami," -she said with a playful tilt of her head towards Ram- "but I have some other plans, and I need my sister for that. I'm sorry, Lakshman." Her voice was laced with teasing as she looked at her brother in law.
Lakshman tried to maintain a casual demeanor, but a subtle pout crossed his lips. He quickly turned it into a smile, but Ram and Sita saw right through him. Urmila couldn't help but chuckle softly at the scene.