66697602-The-Ramayana-R-K-Narayan

summons you.” Immediately he left for Kaikeyi’s apartment.
He made a deep obeisance to her, touched her feet, and
Kaikeyi asked, “Are my father, brothers, and the others safe
and happy in Kekaya?”
Bharatha replied that all was well in her father’s home. He
then asked, “I want to touch the lotus feet of my father. Where
is he gone? Where can I seek him?”
“The great King has been received by resplendent
heavenly beings in the next world. He is happy and at peace.
Do not grieve,” replied Kaikeyi calmly.
When he took in the full import of her news and found his
tongue again, Bharatha said, “None but you could have
uttered these terrible words in this manner. Is your heart
made of stone? I should never have left his side. My
misfortune, my mistake. The world has not seen a greater
ruler; no son has had a nobler father. I was not fated to be
with him, to hear his voice, to feel his glorious presence—
enjoying my holiday indeed! What a time to have chosen for
relaxation!” He recounted again and again his father’s
exploits as a warrior, and this in some measure mitigated
his anguish. After a long brooding silence he said, “Until I
see Rama and listen to his voice, my grief will not abate.”
At this point, Kaikeyi said in a matter-of-fact voice, “With
his wife and brother, he left to live in the forests.”
“What a time to have chosen for forest-going! When will he