One fine morning, some days after Sita's swayamvar Urmila found herself in the kitchens with her mother looking over the food menu for the day. Urmila found herself longing for her paint brush but instead she had a ladle in her hand. She was helping her mother prepare lunch for the guests that had accomodated the nearby ashram. The kind of Ayodhya, King Dashratha had accepted the proposal and was now a guest of Mithila. Queen Sunaina had told that it was Ayodhya's tradition that King Dashrath was not to see Sita until the wedding so the responsibility of taking the food to the ashram was upon Urmila and the other sisters. Sita had looked downcast that she wouldn't be able to have a glimpse of her to be husband and Urmila and Mandavi had taken advantage of the situation and teased Sita so hard that she went as red as a blooming tomato. The topic had changed to Urmila when Sita mentioned about the younger prince and his possible feelings towards her. Urmila had never blushed and she was an expert in masking her emotions. But what she couldn't fathom was what the young Prince was thinking. Did he really have feelings for her or was it because Sita was getting married to his older brother and that was the reason for his actions. She heard her mother call out to her "Urmila !! Urmila !!" Urmila's head snapped to lookat her mother who was looking at her with a frown "Where are you lost ?"Urmila answered "Nothing Maa. Please tell me.. What do I need to do ?" Queen Sunaina sighed "I want you and your cousins to take the food to the ashram and serve it to the Royal Family of Ayodhya." Urmila questioned "But Maa. Why all three of us ?" Queen Sunaina answered "Have you forgotten your father's speech this morning ?" Urmila then realized what her mother meant.

Earlier that morning, her father Seeradhwaj Janak had called her, Mandavi and Shrutikeerti to the family hall. Apparantly, King Dashratha on knowing about the four sisters, sent portraits of his two other sons, Bharat and Shatrughan with the intention of a marriage proposal. He had hoped for Bharat-Mandavi, Lakshman-Urmila and Shatrughan-Shrutikeerti. Mandavi and Shrutikeerti had been bewildered at the sudden turn of events and Urmila could say she wasn't faring much better either. Sita had a wide smile on her face. She wasn't going to be alone afterall. She was going to have her three sisters with her. Mandavi and Shrutikeerti had looked at the portraits of the two princes. Shrutikeerti had given a nod of approval quickly. Her father Kushadwaj had asked for her sincere approval. Shrutikeerti nodded firmly " I won't fault him for his looks for he looks handsome.. And the Princes of Ayodhya are known for their valour, dharma and righteousness. I will be glad to marry him" Urmila smiled at her youngest sister. She would always say this. Shrutikeerti was wiser beyond her age and way more mature. Urmila looked at the youngest prince's portrait. He looked just like his twin but then the similarity ended there. The younger twin had a pleasant smile on his face and even in the portrait those eyes carried mischief. Urmila's artistic eyes would never miss a detail. Her cousin Shrutikeerti was going to have a handful. Mandavi on the other hand seemed to be deep in thought. Urmila looked at the other portrait. Even from the portrait. Urmila could tell that he was the best looking prince of all. A broad forehead, well-spaced eyes, chiseled nose and perfect lips. If she knew her cousin well, Mandavi was apprehensive for she had not met the Prince. Being the headstrong and logical Princess, Mandavi wanted to meet the Prince before she gave her approval, quite like Sita but not quite like her. Her father Seeradhwaj Janak was very practical when it came to the four princesses. He wanted to have their consultation in the matter and had asked for some time from the King of Ayodhya. He had proclaimed to Urmila, Mandavi and Shrutikeerti that unless and until their full-fledged consent wasn't there, he wouldn't get them married. His eyes fell upon his younger daughter Urmila, "Urmila.. Mandavi and Shrutikeerti have given in their inputs.. What about you, dear ?" From the corner of her eye she could see Mandavi's lips break into a smile and her father's gaze on her. She looked at her father "Father.. Is it your wish that I marry the Prince ?" Rajrishi Janak replied, "Frankly, I can't find anything unsuitable in him. If anything, he saved you from a dangerous predicament." Urmila understood that her father was speaking about Sita's Swayamvar where the kings present in the hall had almost waged a war for her hand. Her father's gaze was still on her, "If it is your wish Father, then I will marry him." Rajrishi Janak smiled at his out-spoken daughter. She never let her emotions get the best of her. But as a father, he could see that his younger daughter had started to fall in love with the younger Prince, Lakshman. Rajrishi Janak said wisely, "Your consent is what matters Urmila. As parents, it is our duty to find our children the best choice.. But what matters most is their happiness.. But it is of no good when the best proposal doesn't give their child the deserved happiness." Urmila smiled at her father and Rajrishi Janak knew that his daughter had found her match.

She was brought back to the present by her mother... Sita, Mandavi and Shrutikeerti had joined her in the kitchens. Urmila looked at her mother "You don't seem to look too happy Maa. What happened ?" Queen Sunaina looked at her younger daughter. She felt a happy pride looking at her younger daughter. Urmila had grown up at a very small age. She knew she had been hard on her daughter but instead of becoming spoilt and hard, her younger daughter grew up maturely and beautifully. She shook her head with a wary smile "I have my own apprehensiveness about this proposal." Urmila asked "Why Maa ? Don't you think the four princes are suitable ?" Her mother answered her "No no dear.. The four princes are very nice. I couldn't have asked for better grooms for the four of you." Urmila continued "Then why the apprehension ?" Her mother smiled at her "You four will be going into the same family. Until now, your aunt and myself have nurtured you and kept you away from any harm. We have kept you guarded from the other aspects of life different from the one you've lived until now. But after your marriage things won't be the same... Your aunt and I won't be around anymore." Sita looked at her mother "But Maa. We sisters will be together.. We will take care of each other." Her mother smiled at her "My dear Sita. After your marriage, you will not just be sisters. Your relationship will take a new name - sisters-in-law. You will have responsibilities there.. And one cannot guarantee how the circumstances might change.. You might have to choose among your husband and sisters." Sita smiled "Maa.. Why will such a situation arise ? It won't Maa. Don't worry about us.. We will stick together like we have always." Queen Sunaina smiled at her oldest daughter. Urmila looked at her mother shocked.. Her mother's words brought a new meaning to her fear. She was right.. After marriage, their relationship would get a new name.. But will the dynamic between the four sister change ? Until now, their sisterhood had been as strong as pillar.. But now that they were going into the same family, it would remain the same.. Or will it.. She didn't have much time to think. Her mother and Sita had filled vessels with food and laid them in silver trays.Soon, the three sisters were on their way to the ashram. Her mother's words rang in Urmila's eyes. The four of them were forced to face a new possibility in their minds but they couldn't ponder over the meaning for there was so much to do. The three princesses reached the ashram. They greeted King Dashratha. He was dressed lavishly unlike Rajrishi Janak who preferred simplicity. He looked old and weak with wrinkles yet there was nothing weak about him. His eyes held a strong determination and his hands barred the scars of victory and bravery. The sisters laid out the food onto the golden plates. Urmila noticed that Lakshman looked more stoic than ever. His frown has deepened into his forehead and lips were pursed into a thin line. His twin was the exact opposite. His eyes twinkled with merry and mischief as he conversed with Prince Bharat. Urmila wondered if it had something to do with Mandavi's presence for Bharat's cheeks tinted a soft pink and he whispered something back to him. The younger twin's face was curved into a wide smile. Urmila had been right when she concluded that Shrutikeerti was going to have a handful." Mandavi had turned red looking at Bharat. Urmila laughed to herself that her Ice-Princess sister was blushing. Urmila tried to meet Lakshman's eyes but he didn't spare her a glance. Her face fell. Had she been wrong in acknowledging her feelings ? After lunch, King Dasharatha had excused himself when the Prime Minister Sumantra had requested a meeting with him. Bharat got up from his seat having finished his lunch. Mandavi followed him out. Urmila could very well tell that Mandavi would give in to te proposal. Prince Bharat had been really sweet and well-behaved. He was a perfect foil to Mandavi's cold exterior. Shrutikeerti and Shatrughan were stealing glances at each other when the others weren't looking.

Urmil picked up the plates and brought them out to keep them in the basket they had got for the eaten plates and glasses. She noticed Bharat and Mandavi talking to each other. She smiled a little at them. She was the only person that was without a prince. Well, Sita too.. But Sita had him in her heart all the time so that didn't count. She saw Mandavi walking towards her, her head down. Her cold sister was blushing.. She mused that she would have to thank the middle prince for that. Mandavi came and stood beside Urmila. She raised an eyebrow at her cousin "Well ? What is it Mandavi ? Do I see wedding bells above your head ? Yes I do." Mandavi tried to glare at her cousin but the smile on her face wouldn't let her.. Urmila felt happy for her cousin. The stern Mandavi smiled for someone other than family which meant that Prince Bharat had won over her completely. Shrutikeerti came towards them with two glasses in her hand. Now along with Sita, she had two blushing cousins to deal with. She searched around for the younger prince but noticed that he wasn't there.

Lakshman had retreated to the corner of the hut and sat polishing his bow and arrows. He was happy as well as disappointed with the run of events over the past few days. Yes.. He was attracted to the younger daughter of Rajrishi Janak but was it all really worth it compared to his devotion !! He was agitated over Shatrughan teasing him over every opportunity he got. He didn't notice his brother walk towards him with a concerned look etched on his moon-like face "Lakshman.." Lakshman looked up at his older brother "Yes Brother.. Tell me.. Do you need anything ? Let me get it for you ?" Ram smiled "Why do you think that whenever I come and talk to you, it is is because I need something ? Can't I just come and talk to my brother ?" Lakshman looked confused. Ram sat down on the straw mat with Lakshman beside him. He looked into the eyes of his younger brother "Tell me Lakshman.. What is bothering you ?" Lakshman looked at his brother.. How did he know what was bothering him ?? But then, that was his Brother Ram.. Always understanding and intuitive. He looked at his brother "Oh Brother !!! This is just so sudden... All of it.. Everything... When you won Sister Sita's hand, I was very happy.. My Brother Ram was getting married. I felt like the happiest man in the world. But when Father came in with the proposal, I just felt it was wrong." Ram placed a hand on his shoulder "Why Lakshman.. Aren't you happy with the proposal ?" Lakshman stood up and walked forward "Brother.. The happiness that I felt for your wedding. That was the same that I felt when Father brought in the proposal of my marriage with the younger daughter of Mithila.. But marriage isn't for me.. My marriage would be a lie, though an alluring one. I don't understand why Father doesn't see that I don't and never want to get married !!" A rustle of leaves was heard. Both Ram and Lakshman turned to see Mandavi and Shrutikeerti rooted to the spot with shock on thie faces. Lakshman knew that she had heard. And it broke his heart into pieces. Those words were not intended for her ears. Yet, she had heard them and she fled. Away from him.. Again. He had volunteered to speak to his father about not wanting to marry the princess, distancing her from him. And now, she had run away.. After hearing his heartless words.. Oh what had he done !!! He felt a gnawing pain in his chest and he knew that he was in love. But he didn't deserve her.. She deserved someone better than him.. His eyes turned to one of pain. He noticed her oldest cousin's hard look at him and he knew that she was angry at the words he inadvertently threw at her sister. He felt a soft hand on his shoulders and a soothing voice "Lakshman.." Lakshman turned towards his brother with pained eyes. Ram softly spoke "Go.. Find her Lakshman... Talk to her.. If anyone is to understand, then that's her.. Go Lakshman.. Talk to my sister" Lakshman didn't need to be told twice. He left in search of the woman who stole his heart.