"Ram.... Ram...." Dashrath kept mumbling.

Kaushalya, Sumitra and the three Kul-vadhus Mandavi, Urmila and Shrutkirti stayed by his side, looking at him with teared eyes. Only Urmila kept smiling through the pain due to the promise she gave to Laxman.

"Kaushalya.... Did you feed my little Ram ? He would've been hungry after playing with his brothers..." Dashrath said.

Tears fell from the eyes of Kaushalya and Sumitra as they saw the miserable condition of their husband, who was remembering the moments of Shri Ram's childhood.

"Where my Ram ? Call him. I want to pick him up in my arms." Dashrath said.

"Maharaj our Ram has grown up. He is a married man now. Remember daughter of Maharaj Janak, Sita ? She is his wife." Sumitra said.

"Right.... Right.... He is a married man. Sita is his wife..... Call them please. I wish to shower my blessings on them." Dashrath muttered.

At that all the ladies gazed at eachother helplessly, Dashrath looked at them confused.

"Why aren't you calling Ram ? Call him with his wife." Dashrath said.

"H-He is n-not in the palace Maharaj...." Kaushalya said.

"Then where is he ? When will he return ?" Dashrath asked.

At that both Kaushalya and Sumitra broke down in tears. Seeing them, the realisation soon dawned upon Dashrath.

"14 years...." He muttered. Kaushalya and Sumitra looked up at him.

"He shall not return before 14 years... Very obeying son he is... Why did I gave him such hardships ? Only Vidhata knows where he must be right now..." Dashrath started sobbing.

"Maharaj..." Kaushalya caressed his head, which was hot indicating high fever.

"I shouldn't have gone for hunting on that damned day.... This the curse of Shravan Kumar's parents fulfilling...." Dashrath mumbled.

------

"While Maharaj Dashrath was on the verge of losing his last breaths, Shri Ram, Janki and Laxman reached the place of a sage who has connections to them since several Mahayugas." Krishna said.

"Who Keshav ?" Nakul asked.

"Brahmarishi Valmiki." Krishna smiled.

------

The summary of all Dharma is in the abode of Valmiki. The ambience of the hermitage was blissful. There were many young sages doing yagya, some were serving the elder sages while others taking care of cows and birds.

The Trikaldarshi Brahmarishi when came in front of Shri Ram after knowing his presence, smiled seeing the god gracing his doorstep again after another Mahayuga.

Janki was in awe seeing the affinity of every being in the ashram towards the other and also seeing the great sage Valmiki's brilliance.

Shri Ram, Janki and Laxman touched the feet of the great sage and Valmiki also welcomed them inside.

"Brahmarishi, you are Trikaldarshi and know all about our past, present and future. We ask you to show us a place where we can stay for 14 years without causing hindrance to the penance of other sages." Shri Ram said humbly.

"Prabhu, is there any place where you don't reside ? You live in the heart of every living being. From you this entire universe has come into being, and you are asking for a place to see in it ?" Valmiki asked.

"Brahmarishi, I am an ordinary man and your servant. Let me live like that." Shri Ram said or more like reminded Valmiki of his leela.

"I know how this is also your leela. You three can stay at Chitrakut itself. The pure tributary of river Ganga, Mandakini has been brought here by the penance of Rishi Yatri's wife Sati Anusuiya. You all should stay there and bless us." Valmiki said.

"As you say Brahmarishi." The three bowed.

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A/N

Brahmarishi Valmiki ko Ved Vyas- mera matlab Captain Sham ka pranam 🙏🙏

Fun Fact - Valmiki was the 24th Ved Vyas. And even Bhagwaan Nar-Narayan were also 22nd Ved Vyas as per Kurma Puran.

*Giggles* Arjun aur mera ek aur gun mil gaya 🌝🌝🌝🌝