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| (King Dasaratha and his four sons; Source: Wikimedia) |
In his old age, he have decided he want to retire and pass the torch onto one of his brilliant sons. The obvious and logical choice would be his favorite, Roy. Roy is the smartest, loyalist, and most fair one of all the king's boys. He fully trust that he will do the kingdom right by making the best decisions. King Dee, having come to this conclusion, went to tell on of his wives.
In the main corridor sits one Dee's most respected wives, Kay. He owed Kay his life as she had saved him countless times.
"My dearest Kay, I have come to the decision that I want to retire and leave my kingdom to my smart one, Roy. Do you approve of my choice in replacement? You opinion means so much to me!" proclaimed King Dee.
"I am so happy you are going to retire, but I think your choice in replacement is wrong. You should have our boy Bart take over the throne. He has worked so hard for you. I think you shall let Bart take over and send Roy to a land far away for a while." said Kay
"Oh my! Why would I send Roy so far? He is my favorite son and I want him near." admitted Dee.
"I don't care, he will be sent away so you can focus all your time and energy on Bart!" demanded Kay.
"Yes my dear, I will follow your wishes as I aim to make you the happiest. But for me, will you do me one thing?" said Dee defeated.
"Of course, King. What is it?" Kay asked
"Will you share to news with Roy? I cannot take the agony I will feel at letting my son down." said Dee.
"As you wish." spoke Kay as she walked away to find Roy.
With obnoxious happiness, Kay went searching for Roy to tell him the news. She found him outside.
"Roy, I have some news to tell you. Your father has decided to step down from the throne and appoint Bart as next king. Isn't this the most exciting news?" shared Kay.
Roy, being the ever loyal and fair son he was, was happy for Bart on the outside. "My, that is great news!" Obviously Roy had thought that when the time came, he would assume the role of next king of the kingdom.
"Oh, one more thing. Your father and I have decided that it best for you to go on a journey far away while Bart rules. You'll have a couple hours to pack supplies, then your father expects you to be on your way." told Kay, happily. She had finally gotten rid of Dee's favorite child and made room for her offspring, Bart, to assume that role as well.
"As my father wishes, I will be gone in 3 hours." said Roy.
Five hours later, the news came to the kingdom that Roy was missing as he started his journey around the kingdom to say his goodbyes. There was much speculation that he was so upset with his father for not talking with him that he left in a hurry and without essential supplies. Once the news of his missing got to Dee, he started to worry for his favorite son. In his worry, Dee started feeling very sorry and ill. Had he caused Roy to go missing and to never come back again? In his thinking, Dee started shaking with agitation. He decided that he would go to find him. On his journey out of the kingdom, Dee had been walking through the crowds of people in his kingdom wondering where Roy was. With their anger at the missing Roy, the people started to beat on Dee. Dee had taken a couple hard hits and ended up on the ground scared for what was to come next.
In that moment, Dee shot up out of his bed, sweating. Looking around his room, Dee realized that this was all a dream.
Author Note: The story written above is a different interpretation of the story of Rama's exile. The original story is King Dasaratha wants to retire and shift power to Rama. It is obvious that Rama is Dasaratha's favorite son. The community approves of the king's successor as does Rama. Bharatha, another one of the King's sons, is crowned king as Kaikeyi, one of his wives, requests that Rama be sent to exile for 14 years. King Dasaratha agreed to Rama's exile, but is very saddened about the decision.
Bibliography: Narayan, R.K. The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic. Penguin Books, 2006.
Let’s pretend I’m King Dee. I love my sons Roy and Bart, and I am hopelessly indebted to my wife Kay. Kay has sent Roy away but that doesn’t mean I can’t be with him. If I abdicate my throne to Bart, I can stay a little while with him, give him some advice, and then leave to go be with Roy. I know moving is hard, but I have another son Lock (Lakshmana) who can take care of me and make sure I’m comfortable on the journey because he can build lavish houses in nature.
ReplyDeleteThe king smiles and is no longer restless and uncomfortable in his sleep. He continues to dream happily of doing right by Bart and Kay while also doing what he wants to do by being with his favourite son. When he wakes up, he no longer feels scared about giving up his throne. We see that he is a good strong king because he keeps his promises, acts respectfully, but also accomplishes his goal.
I like how in your story this was all a dream. I am kind of interested to know if your story continued would his dream eventually become reality.
Hi Lindsey,
ReplyDeleteWow, it was all a dream! What a nightmare. I hated how the king's arm was twisted and forced him to exile Rama in the Ramayana. I like your interpretation. You have the perfect son as a successor, but the envious party persuades the king to do what he does not want to. Thank goodness it was just a dream. Great work!