Finally, the desperate king said, “I promise, my beloved queen, to fulfil any wish you have. Please tell me why you are so upset.” Then Kaikeyi said, “I will tell you, but first promise me that you will give me what I ask for.” “I swear in the name of Rama; I will surely fulfil your wish,” king Dasharatha said. Kaikeyi’s eyes shone brightly. She said, “I want the two boons which you gave me in the battle between the gods and the demons.” Dasharatha agreed and asserted that the kings of the solar dynasty did keep their word. “In my first boon, I want Bharata to be named as your successor. And in my second boon, I wish Rama to be sent into exile in the forest for fourteen years,” demanded Kaikeyi sternly.
“Bharata can have the kingdom. But don’t send my Rama into the forest! You know very well that I cannot live without him!” pleaded king Dasharatha in despair. But the hard-hearted Kaikeyi was adamant. “If you fail to keep your promise and grant me the boons I have asked for, I shall consume poison and commit suicide,” threatened Kaikeyi. “O Vile Lady! Why are you bent upon killing me? I can’t live without Rama.” Saying these words king Darsharatha fell down unconscious.
In the morning, Sage Vasishtha and Sumantra came to know of king Dasharatha with Kaikeyi in the sulking chamber. Immediately, both of them reached there.
With a heavy heart, king Dasharatha sent for Rama. Rama along with Lakshmana reached the sulking chamber. Seeing him a single word escaped the lips of king Dasharatha, “Rama!”
Seeing his father’s deplorable condition Rama was greatly upset. He asked Kaikeyi, “O Mother! What has happened to father? Please tell me how I can relieve him of his grief.” Kaikeyi narrated the entire episode.
“Is that all?” asked Rama, “It will be done as you wish, Mother.” It was Kaikeyi’s turn to be surprised. Rama had accepted her instructions without any argument! King Dasharatha still sat stunned. Having touched the feet of his mother and father Rama proceeded towards the chamber of queen Kaushalya.
