Rama and Sita's Love at First Sight
Rama and his brother Lakshmana were on a journey with the rishi Viswamithra when they came into a small town. It was a cute little town with vibrant colorful gardens unlike anything they had ever seen. They were walking through the gardens taking in all the sights and sounds when Rama saw this BEAUTIFUL woman on a balcony. Their eyes connected right away, and it felt like an electric jolt was shot through his body. Rama didn’t want to acknowledge any feelings so he would not have to answer any questions from his brother. He was very careful not to allow any outward emotions to show, and kept walking until he was out of eyesight. However, later that night he allowed himself to focus on her. She was absolutely breathtaking. He couldn't stop thinking about her in detail. He thought of the way her hair fell, what she wore, and the look in her eyes. Every little detail of what he could remember. There was also the moment their eyes met. Why did he react like that? What was that feeling? What did it mean? He doubted there was any hope to see her, or to win her heart. Surely, this amazing woman was already spoken for. She had to have already been married. How could she possibly be single? He tossed and turned all night.
Meanwhile, in a decorated room across town, Sita was having a similar night. She couldn't stop thinking about the handsome stranger she had witnessed. She had met many other handsome men before, but this one was different. Who was he? What was he doing there? Why had she reacted this way? The exact same questions that had been going through Rama’s head. Hers went one step farther. How could she find him? Why did he seem so familiar? Could she even find him? She couldn't sleep and felt helpless at the thought of never seeing him again. Feeling miserable, she put herself in seclusion while she mourned what never was.
The next day Rama, Lakshmana, and Viswamithra went to the King's court. Rama looked across the room and saw her. He was in complete shock to see her here. He thought he might never see her again. It made him feel joyous, but also worried she might already have someone. As he was listening to everything going on around him he realized the girl was Sita the King’s daughter. He knew then there was a chance. He had heard the King lamenting to others about the fact he made a proclamation years ago that he now regretted. The King was worried about who Sita would marry so he had said the man who wanted to marry Sita needed to shoot this HUGE bow and arrow. It had been proven pretty impossible. Now the King worried he made it too difficult and if Sita would ever actually get to get married. Rama heard the King tell others this and felt hope, but he was also worried if he could handle it. Viswamithra, being a wise man, made the suggestion the King should pull it out and see if Rama could shoot it. The King thought it wouldn't work, but still ordered it to be brought forth immediately. Rama, being Rama of course, succeeded. He was overjoyed. He could have this girl he couldn't stop thinking of.
Sita missed all this since she was still thinking of the guy she had seen. She had gone through enough to know it would take a special man to overcome the bow, and what were the chances of that ever happening? There couldn't be any harm of thinking of him and dreaming he could use the bow, and become her husband. While she was lost in thought a servant came over happily discussing what had just occurred. It took Sita several minutes to understand she was going to be married. She just hoped it was the handsome stranger she saw from her balcony the night before and not some other stranger. What would she do if it isn't him? How could she live with that? She started paying attention to what was happening and that was when she saw him. Her heart broke thinking it could be someone else that had managed to use the bow. Then she saw everyone congratulating him and realized it WAS him. She was overcome with joy. Then the wedding plans started.
Author's note: This story is based off the section in Narayan’s Ramayana where Rama and Sita meet. I am a hopeless romantic so this spoke to me on a personal level and I just loved how they were destined to be together, and how it came into play. The story went along these same lines, although I added some more detail and inner dialog. I wanted to help the reader visualize the scene, add in some romance, and think about what they may have been feeling. I know Rama is a God, but he was also a human at that time, so I’m sure he had some questions. Not many would understand what was going on. I also thought there would be some worry, and feel helpless at the circumstances. I also added Sita being at the event, being distracted and then realizing what happened. I thought it would be a great change to show how she may feel or react in that situation. My whole story was based off of Narayan’s version of the Ramayana, and the picture I chose to add is of a wood carving of Rama and Sita. I found it on Flickr and didn’t have much other information. I thought it was an enjoyable story, and wanted to concentrate further on it. I would like to add more romance stories where I can. Maybe next time I can do a cat romance to tie them together.
(Banner image from Flickr)