Kaikeyi, fearing that some calamity had overtaken Manthara, asked her gently:
"What is troubling you? Why are you thus upset?"
And the clever Manthara began:
"Destruction has come upon both you and me, my girl. Dasaratha has decided to make
Raama Yuvaraaja-the real ruler of this land. What greater cause for sorrow need I have?
When grief comes to you, how can I remain unconcerned? I have come running to you. You
were born and bred in a royal family. You were married into a royal family. Now, alas, all
is over.
"Like the simple woman you are, you
have been deceived. Your husband has cheated you with sweet words. It is a deep plot, as
any one can see. He put Bharata out of the way by sending him to the distant place of his
uncle, and is taking advantage of his absence by hurriedly crowning Raama. |
