The morning sun had descended over the glorious city of Ayodhya. It's warm rays were falling in the room of Rameshwari, whose hair were being braided by Shri Ram, who had learnt it's art.

A smile was adorning his lips, as he heard the end less talks of his 9 year old daughter.

"Aur fir Taksh ne bhul se Pushkal ki kheer kha li. Chhote Bharat-nandan ko yeh accha nahi laga. Kintu isse pehle woh ladte maine Pushkal ko apni kheer dedi." Rameshwari said.

"Ati-uttam Ramey. Swayam kheer na khaake, chhote bhai ko diya." Shri Ram said.

"Kintu maine kheer khayi thi Pitashree." Rameshwari said.

"Accha ? Kaise ?" He looked at her with an exaggerated curious expression.

"Angad aur Chandraketu ne apni kheer ka kuch hissa mujhe diya. Maine mana kiya toh woh hatt karne lag gaye ki woh tab tak kheer nahi khayenge jab tak mai na khaayu." Rameshwari said.

"Oh. Lakshman ke putra uske bhaati hi seva-bhaav ke sagar hai." Shri Ram said.

"Woh toh hai." She smiled.

"Kintu Shatrughan ke putro ka kya ? Woh nahi the waha ?" Shri Ram asked.

"Nahi. Subahu aur Shatrughati toh nidra ka anand le rahe the tab." Rameshwari said.

Shri Ram smiled nodding before finishing to braid the front sections of her hair and pinning it behind. He then brushed the rest of the long flowy wavy hair of hers.

"Ab Pitashree ko darbaar jana hai Ramey." He said standing up.

"Uchit hai. Aapka din mangalmay ho." She said and touched his feet.

"Yashasvi bhava." Shri Ram smiled keeping his hand over her head.

After then he left for his court, and soon the handmaidens of Rameshwari entered her room, ready to serve her for the day.

"Rajkumari, aaj kya karengi aap ?"

"Jal-Krida ?"

"Ya Nritya dekhengi ?"

"Ya Sangeet ka anand lengi ?"

"Yadi nahi, toh kya Nat-Nati ke khel se swayam ko manoranjit karengi ?"

They all asked several questions, eagerly wanting to serve her in any way she wished. But casting them all aside, entered Ulka entered with her head high.

"Rajkumari mere saath jhula jhulengi." The plump girl said.

"Ha jhula jhulte hai." Rameshwari agreed out of her love for Ulka.

Both the friends held hands and went to the royal garden of the bhavan. There on a tree a beautiful swing had been installed since long, and both Rameshwari and Ulka got mounted on it.

The thousand handmaidens of the princess also followed them their, incase Rameshwari needs their service. Some of them started swinging them, some played some musical instruments and sang for their entertainment, others danced while most of them sat on the ground spectating.

While spectating they didn't just sit ideally, some sew clothes for her, others made footwear and some made her ornaments like necklaces of pearl and gold beads.

Just like everyone in Ayodhya, these handmaidens too were so much in love with their princess, and getting a chance to serve her upclose, was very precious opportunity for them.

These women were ready to do anything the princess wanted. They had non admittedly devoted their lives to her pleasure.

And their inclination towards her, was reciprocated by Rameshwari in form of her affection, favour and respect for them. The Ram-Suta too adored these handmaidens of her.

Especially Ulka who was swinging beside her. That girl had won over Rameshwari not only due to great affection but also her protective nature for her friend. To Rameshwari it was rather cute.

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A/N

Our Rama is now 9 years old 🌝✨