It was just 2 days before Sita's swayamvar. The sisters were scared by the arrival of Ravana. Everyone knew that he was a very great devotee of Lord Shiva and he had all chances of lifting the bow, and winning Sita's hand in the Swayamvar. But, they were afraid of him winning Sita. If Sita is married to Ravana then her post married life will never be peaceful.

To get solace, the 4 sisters had come to the palace garden which was personally taken care of the sisters. The sisters being nature lovers were very possessive of their garden!

Suddenly the sisters heard the sound of dry leaves being crushed. They all turned around to see what was it. Urmila and Sita took out their daggers, just in case there's some danger. While Mandavi snaked her arm around the scared Shrutakirthi while her eyes kept rolling around in search of the 'sound maker'.

Sita and Urmila moved few steps forward when they came face to face with two young and handsome men. By seeing their attire, one could conclude that they were princes of some rich land.

When Sita lifted her black orbs to see the person she was facing, she observed that even that person was looking at her keenly. As soon as she saw his eyes, her heart started beating fast, her eyes couldn't see anything except him, she could just hear her heart beating until someone angrily shouted "You!" bringing her and the man out from their trance.

Mandavi and Shrutakirthi ran towards Urmila and the other young man who angrily shouted at each other. Sita and the other man also reached there only to find the fire princess of Mithila fighting with the fire prince of Ayodhya.

"What were you doing here? Huh?" asked the angry princess to the equally angry and frustrated prince.

"Gurudev was in need of flowers for the pooja of Mahadev. And for your kind information, I have come here taking the permission of Rajrishi Janaka!" replied the Ayodhya Kumar glaring at the Mithila Kumari.

Sensing the tension that was being created between the two angry siblings, Sita and Rama shouted "Stop" in unison.

Having a look at each other once, Sita stood beside Urmila and calmly addressed Lakshmana saying "Pranam. I apologize for my sister's behaviour. I am Sita, elder sister of these three. Can I know who you are?"

Smiling at Sita, "Pranipat princess. I am Prince Lakshmana of Ayodhya and this is my elder brother Sri Rama. We have come to Mithila with Sage Vishwamitra to have a look at the sacred Pinaka. And you need not apologize princess. You didn't do anything. Someone just don't have patience." said Lakshmana glaring at Urmila when he stated the last sentence.

Lakshmana received a new glare from Mandavi and a very deadly glare from Urmila and Rama. "Lakshmana!!"
warned Rama as he continued glaring him.

"Look at him sister. Coming to Mithila and raising his voice against the princess of Mithila. How dare he? And-" Urmila was cut by Siya who said, "Yes. They have come to Mithila and they are our guests. So be a bit polite atleast with them" she continued addressing Rama and Lakshmana, "Please forgive her princes. Do you need any help? " asked Sita avoiding eye contact with the eldest Dasharath Nandan who was staring at her.

"No. Thank you. And Urmila, please forgive this brother of mine. He's short tempered. " replied Ram affectionately.

"It's okay brother. You need not ask forgiveness at all! Did you sleep well yesterday? Hope this brother bug of yours didn't disturb your sleep" said Urmila smirking.

Lakshmana's eyes widened in horror while Urmila tried hard in suppressing her laughter. Lakshmana dragged Rama to another side whereas Mandavi dragged Urmila to the opposite side.

Girls Side

"Who is that prince that you were fighting with? Did he do something to you before? Let him taste my sword then!" whispered the protective Mandavi.

"Noo. Yesterday evening I had told about them nah!" said Urmila hurriedly.

"Urmila, they are the guests of Mithila and you are talking- no, shouting at them like that!! What might they think?" said Siya tensed.

"Not them. Only he! The younger prince of Ayodhya. Brother Rama is so sweet!"said Urmila as she glared at Lakshmana from the corner of her eyes.

"Sister, it's not the time to scold and complaint now. We should go and talk to them. We will see to this later. Come!" said the sensible Shrutakirthi.

Boys Side

"Lakshmana, how many times should I say to stop fighting with my sister! Why do you want to fight with my sister everytime you meet her huh?" said Rama with a bit of anger.

"Your sister? Brother she is a demoness!! More dangerous than Tataka and you are believing her!!" said Lakshmana clearly annoyed.

"Just shut up now. She was my sister, she is my sister and she will be my sister! For God sake, Lakshman we are their guests and show some decency atleast in front of them! Now shut your mouth and come with me." said Rama.

The boys and the girls came back to where they stood, while Shrutakirthi addressed Rama and Lakshmana saying that, "Pranipat princes. I am Shrutakirthi and this is my elder sister Mandavi. Hope you are enjoying your stay in Mithila!"

"Pranam princess Mandavi and Shrutakirthi. Glad to meet you! We are enjoying Mithila a lot. It's such a mesmerising place!!" said Rama in admiration and staring at Sita whose cheeks turned red under his gaze.

"If you need any help,do inform us. We will be happy to help you both." said Mandavi with a slight smile.

"Sure princess. We will take your leave now. Pranam." said Ram as he joined his hands. Lakshmana too did the same for everyone except Urmila!

The girls returned the gesture and started moving towards the palace while Siya turned to see Rama going with Lakshmana. She blushed slightly and continued walking. And there Rama too looked back at his heartthrob walking with her sisters.

And the angry Maithili, turned back and glared at the Ayodhya Kumar. And with the same amount of angry+irritation+frustration, Lakshmana glared back.

***

Glossary

#Kumar - Son
#Kumari - Daughter

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Bhuvi