In the forest of Naimisa, the preparation of Ashwamedh yagya was almost completed. The wait was just for the horse to come now.

"Maharaj, Rajkumari ke bhavan ka nirmaan ho chuka hai." The architect said.

"Ati-uttam." Shri Ram smiled and then looked at his ministers, "Kab tak aayenge woh sab ?" He asked.

"Kal pratah." One of the eloquent ministers of his said.

The smile on Shri Ram's face widened, it has been a year since he last saw his dear brother Lakshman and his daughter Rameshwari.

Since months he has been hearing about their innumerable feats in battlefield, as they conquered all the kingdoms of the world for him.

Shri Ram was extremely elated that they were returning after conquering the entire earth, after increasing the glory of Raghuvansh.

"Bhaiya !" A voice brought Shri Ram out of his thoughts.

A smile again appeared on his face recognising it in an instant, Shri Ram stood up from his seat and saw his youngest brother, the younger son of Sumitra, Shatrughan.

"Ripudaman ?" Shri Ram went to him, and embraced his brother tightly, who had returned after long from Madhurapuri.

"Kaise ho Shatrughan ?" Shri Ram asked.

"Aapke bina kaisa ho sakta hu bhaiya ? Madhurapuri mei man hi nahi lagta tha." Shatrughan said.

"Hum Raja Maharajao ki niyati hi aisi hoti hai Shatrughan. Kintu Raj-dharm ka palan toh karna padega." Shri Ram said.

"Jaanta hu bhaiya. Iss liye aapke siddhanto par aur Akhand Maharani ki oor se mai shaashan karta hu." Shatrughan said.

"Waise batao, Madhurapuri mei sab kaisa ? Kya praja sukhi hai ? Kya waha Rajya ka punar-nirmaan ho gaya ?" Shri Ram asked.

"Ha bhaiya. Rajya ka punarnirman ke karan, praja sukhi hai aur har din samridh ho rahi hai. Rama ne atyant Sundar aur jatil Vastu yojna di thi." Shatrughan said.

"Vastu kala mei toh bachpan se hi ruchi rahi hai uski." Shri Ram smiled.

"Waise kab tak lautegi woh ?" Shatrughan asked.

"Kal pratah." Shri Ram said.

On the other side in Shripuram, Lakshman was taking leave of Ratnakar Sagar and Samriddhi devi, thanking them for their warm hospitality.

While the Ram-suta, was busy stealing glances of Mrunmaye, who was standing beside his mother, along with Shaurya-shakti.

"Ab hume jaane ki anumati dijiye." Lakshman said.

"Awashya. Mai aapse punah Ashwamedh yagya mei milunga." Ratnakar Sagar said.

Rameshwari frowned at the implication that he was coming alone, Mrunmaye looked at her and instantly knew what she was thinking about.

"Aapka Ashwamedh safal ho. Mera aane ka bhi bahut man tha kintu pitashree ke anupsthiti mei kisi ko Rajya ka kaar-bhaar sambhalna padega." Mrunmaye said.

Rameshwari smiled while Lakshman internally sighed in relief.

"Uchit kaha aapne Rajkumar, kintu mai aapse punah milne ki pratiksha karungi." Rameshwari said and then Lakshman face became expression again.

"Punah milne ke avsar toh milte hi rahenge." Mrunmaye said with a smile, which charmed Rameshwari once again.

"Chale Rama ?" Lakshman said keeping hand over her shoulder, making her come out of her stance.

"Awashya." Rameshwari smiled.

And so Lakshman got on his chariot while Rameshwari mounted on her magnificent black horse, Vajra. Both riding their way back to Ayodhya, along with their army and priest, with the Ashwamedh horse on their forefront.

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A/N

It's time for the Ashwamedh yagya and the sad events 🌝

*Remembers the What if wala chapter*