Kaikeyi spoke very sweetly to Bharata, “Your father, my dear Bharata, has gone to his final rest after having spent a life of great virtue and righteous conduct. Now he is with all the gods in heaven.” Bharata was completely stunned by the news of his father’s death and collapsed on the floor, weeping like a child. Sobbing, he asked, “Where is my brother, Rama? He is the only one I can turn to in my father’s absence.” With the air of having done something wonderful, Kaikeyi told him, “You don’t need Rama any more. I had asked two boons from your father, Dasharatha. You are King of Ayodhya now according to one boon. And, by the second boon, I have sent Rama into exile in the forest for fourteen years!” Bharata was stunned into silence, and looked at his mother as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing!
Shock for Bharata
