Rati

DISCLAIMER: The story below is simply the musings and thoughts of the author. By no means, it was written to hurt the sentiments of anyone or disrespect anyone’s beliefs or any text.

Prajapati Daksha’s Palace

My father, Daksha was very pleased. 27 of his daughters were getting married to Chandra Deva today. He was the most eligible groom for his daughters; noble, young and good looking. The only one surpassing his beauty would be Kama, the son of Brahma. But Kama Deva was not interested in marrying. Because of my father’s persistence in getting him as a son-in-law, much to my dismay, he had stopped visiting us altogether for a long time. But thankfully he was here today and my eyes could not leave his sight.

I fell in love with him the moment I first saw him years ago. Dressed in a dark green silken antariya, holding a sugar cane bow with bees forming the string, his long dark wavy hair falling on his back, shooting arrows of love on people on the Earth. Though his arrow, did not hit me, he stole my heart.

Had I been a beauty like my sisters, I would not have hesitated in making an acquaintance with him. But I was a simpleton. I lacked the grace and charm which attracted the male to the female. Almost every groom my father had found for me had preferred one of my other sisters over me. Thus wallowing in self-pity, I decided to keep my love for him in my heart and worship him from afar.

The change in music distracted me from my thoughts. Veena accompanied with Bansuri, resounded in the palace halls. Dancers, danced to the sweet music, entertaining the guests. There was merriment in the air. For the occasion, not only the palace, but the whole city was decorated with garlands of most exquisite flowers.

All this merriment, made me cringe. I felt out of place in the large crowd where everyone present dazzled with beauty and confidence. Looking at the happy, content and smiling faces of my sisters, I couldn’t help but think, would I ever get a chance to experience this bliss?

On the far north corner of the hall, Kama Deva sat with other deities from Indraloka. He smiled and laughed with them invoking loneliness in my heart. The contrast between us was like day and night. He was sunshine, while I was draped in darkness. How could I even dream of being by his side?

“What is troubling you Rati-di?” asked my little sister, Sati who was sitting beside me.

With a smile I replied, “Nothing of consequence, Sati.”

“But from your looks I can make out you desire someone over there!” she replied gesturing with her eyes in the direction of Kama Deva.

“Not at all,” I answered shying away.

“Go on. Speak to him,” she coaxed whispering in my ear.

“I can’t do that!” I replied horrified by her suggestion.

“Why?”

“Do you think he would even spare a glance at me? Look at him! He is the most handsome God around and I-I am far opposite of everything he is!”

“Oh Rati-di! Why do you think so low of yourself? In my eyes, you are the most beautiful person! You have a heart of gold with an unparalleled mind! Who would not want to marry you?”

I couldn’t help but smile at the words of encouragement from my little sister. “Actually, there are many,” I said softly.

“They are blind and not worthy of you!” Sati remarked and added, “All you need is confidence. Believe in yourself Rati-di! What you believe, so shall you become!”

What Sati said was indeed correct but my heart refused to believe. I shook my head and looked away. Changing the topic I asked, “Enough about me. Tell me, why have you been so quiet past few days?”

“You noticed?” she asked.

“Of course!” I replied.

Her brows furrowed together, in worry as she leaned towards me and whispered in my ear, “I am going to see father after the feast.”

“Why?”

“I wish to spend some time in Sage Mihir’s ashram in the forest and do some meditation.”

“Ah,” I replied, understanding her concern. She was afraid, father would not allow her.

“Don’t worry Sati. You are father’s favourite. He will never say ‘no’ to your request.”

“That is precisely why I think he will not allow me! He would prefer his favourite daughter getting married to an eligible groom rather than meditating in a forest full of wild animals!”

“Yes, that is true…” I added listening to her words.

I couldn’t watch Sati worrying over anything. She was after all the most adorable of all my sisters! A thought came to my mind and I said it out aloud, “What if we go together? Father should allow us then. I think…”

A smile spread across Sati’s face as she heard my suggestion. Without warning she flung herself onto me and hugged me, “Rati-di! You are the best!”

Sage Mihir’s Ashram

Sati had been in meditation for months now. I accompanied her to the forest, but I dared not disturb her in her penance. I knew she had a goal in mind and she would not stop until she was granted the boon to fulfill it. I watched her pray every day, sitting underneath the branches of a peepal tree, wondering what is that she desired.

Meanwhile, I helped the Sage in the daily chores of the ashram. On one such evening, I was hurrying back to the ashram after collecting woods in the forest. On the way, it started drizzling and I picked up my pace. Something floating away in the river, caught my eye. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was a baby bird. Throwing away the wood, I jumped into the water to save the infant. Just as I picked up the little one, the drizzle turned into a shower. A huge wave of rushing water suddenly hit me from upstream. The river current made it difficult for me to swim with a bird in my hand. “Help! Help!” I cried out in panic and struggled to keep my head afloat. I cried for help again but I wondered if anyone could even hear me above the din of the raging water.

The face of Kama Deva flashed before my eyes. I was filled with regret for not getting acquainted with him. I didn’t want to die just yet! I prayed to Lord Vishnu as I drifted in the water to send some help. Any help! “I promise I will change! I will give up all negativity and work hard to fulfil my dreams! I will not wallow in self-pity! Just let me live!” I cried out aloud.

Just as I was about to lose all hope, I heard a loud screeching. I looked up at the sky but it had turned dark and I could see nothing. Fatigue took over me and my eyes closed. A moment later, I was yanked out of the water. I tried to open my eyes but there was no strength left in me. All I knew was that I was being carried away. At first I was cold. Freezing cold! But then I felt, warmth and light spreading all around me. It felt like gentle rays of sun were warming every anu within my body, filling me with energy and life.

I opened my eyes and the first thing I saw was the glowing sun with the clouds below me. I was being carried in the claws of a large bird. Was it the Garuda, answering my prayers to Lord Vishnu? Exhausted, once again I drifted off to sleep.

Vaikunth

When I woke up, I was lying in the lap of Goddess Lakshmi, her fingers caressing my hair. With a soft smile she asked, “How are you feeling?”

Taken aback by her presence, I immediately sat up straight and replied, “I’m fine, dear Mother. B-but where am I?”

“You are in Vaikunth,” came Lord Vishnu’s voice.

I turned around and saw him walk into the room. Reading my mind he answered, “Garuda pulled you out of the river and brought you here and Lakshmi looked after you, while you recovered.”

“What about the baby bird?” I asked suddenly realizing about the little one which I had intended to rescue.

“The baby owl is there,” said Lord Vishnu, pointing at the furry white ball pecking on the floor. I rushed to the floor, picked up the furry little creature and sighed with relief. Kissing its tiny beak, I remarked, “You are safe!”

“Thank you for saving the little one!” said Lord Vishnu with a look of gratitude.

“It was my duty, dear Lord,” I answered. Bowing down to his feet, said, “And, thank you for saving me!”

Lord Vishnu smiled and replied, “You asked for my help. How could I not answer?”

Bowing down at Goddess Lakshmi’s feet, I added, “Thank you looking after me, Mother!”

The Goddess, gently caressed my head and said, “You are a beautiful soul! My blessings are always with you!”

“Now that you are fine, you should return to Sage Mihir’s side. He is worried about you,” added Lord Vishnu. “Garuda will take you back”

I nodded in reply. “What should I do about the bird?” I asked unsure of what to do.

“I will look after it,” volunteered Goddess Lakshmi.

As I descended down to Earth, I felt uncharacteristically relaxed and confident. Was it Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings?

In the Sky

“Greetings Garuda! Who might the lady be?” asked a voice behind us, as Garuda took me towards Sage Mihir’s ashram.

I turned around and gasped. Kama Deva, mounted on a large green bird, resembling a parrot, matched his pace to that of Garuda and flew next to us.

“Greetings to you too Kama Deva. This is Princess Rati, daughter of Prajapati Daksha,” answered Garuda.

Though I greeted him but I had already turned red out of embarrassment. I had admired Kama Deva for a long time and had wanted to be in my best when I was introduced to him. But here I was looking my worst! My hair was flying open. I had no makeup on and I was wrapped in a discoloured saree. I wished I could turn invisible! Was my new found confidence dwindling away? Taking a deep breath, I let my mind relax. I will be what I think myself to be!

Kama Deva also greeted in return. “Where are you off to?” He asked Garuda.

“I’m taking Princess Rati to Sage Mihir’s ashram.”

“If the Princess doesn’t mind, I could escort her to the Sage’s ashram. I am going there anyways…” suggested Kama Deva hesitantly.

“In that case, are you okay, Princess?” Garuda asked me. When I nodded my head, he accepted the offer and descended down. I un-mounted from his back and thanked him before he flew away.

“I’ve been to Prajapati Daksha’s palace many times, but I never met you before,” stated Kama Deva as we mounted the parrot and proceeded towards Sage Mihir’s ashram.

“But I’ve seen you many times,” I replied.

“What has brought a princess to an ashram in the middle of a forest?” He asked.

“It’s my little sister,” I replied. “She wished to come for meditation but our father wouldn’t let her come alone. So, I volunteered to accompany.”

“That’s a very noble thing to do!”

“And why is that?”

“Leaving the comfort of palace for ashram life, needs courage and devotion.”

I smiled as I replied, “Sati, is my most beloved sister. I wouldn’t bat an eye to help her out!”

“Yes, and that is why it is very noble of you!”

Sage Mihir’s ashram came in sight and we descended towards the ground.

The Sage had seen us descending from the sky and hurried to greet us.

“I had been so worried, when you didn’t return home last night. Where had you been?” the Sage asked me.

When I told him the entire story, he sighed with relief. “Thanks to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi for saving your life! Had something happened to you, I would never be able to face Prajapati Daksha! After all, I had promised him to look after his daughters.”

“Speaking of which… How is Sati?”

“Still in meditation,” replied the Sage. “Let us go inside. The sky looks forbidding once again!”

Kama Deva, left the ashram after a while with promises to return the next day.

Sage Mihir’s Ashram

Kama Deva visited the ashram everyday. He spent hours in the company of Sage Mihir. And when he was done, he just roamed around the ashram. At times, I caught him observing me but every time I caught his gaze he looked away. Did it mean he was interested in me?

My feelings for him were as strong as ever. I no longer wanted to hide. I wanted to face him head-on! I wanted to make him fall in love with me! With a firm resolution, I approached him one evening when he was idling around the ashram.

“Kama Deva, would you like to take a stroll with me?” I asked gathering all my courage.

Kama Deva looked at me for a split second and said, “I have a better idea. Would you like to fly in the sky?”

“Uh?” I asked in surprise.

Kama Deva smiled at my reaction and said, “I will take that as a yes! Come let’s go!”

Outside the ashram, he signalled in the sky. Parrots resting on a nearby tree fluttered around and came together, forming one large green parrot I had mounted the last time. Dazzled by the spectacle, I stood rooted to the spot.

“Our ride is waiting,” said Kama Deva breaking the spell.

We mounted the bird and flew high in the sky. This wasn’t my first time riding a bird. But it was my first time, enjoying the view below while riding on a bird. The lush green forests, raging blue rivers, high mountains at the horizon; oh! The view was so breathtaking!

When we returned to the ashram, I was in a daze. The whole point of the evening escapade was to make Kama Deva fall in love with me and here I was falling deeper for him every second!

“Thank you for the ride, Kama Deva,” I said to him.

“The pleasure is all mine, Princess Rati,” he replied with a satisfied look on his face.

As the months passed by, Kama Deva and I spent more and more time with each other until one day, he didn’t show up. I waited for his arrival the next day and the next. But he didn’t return to the ashram. I was sure Kama Deva enjoyed my company and yet what happened that he suddenly stopped? I couldn’t figure out the cause. I grew restless and anxious. But I refused to wallow in self-pity!

Nearly a month later, Kama Deva returned. He looked straight into my eyes. I could not read his expression but I returned his gaze waiting with anticipation for him to speak his mind.

“Rati, you are the most beautiful maiden, I have ever met,” he started. His eyes softened as he continued, “I had not thought of marriage until now, but now that I’ve met you, I want to know more about you… It’s as if I have been struck by my own arrow of love!” Kneeling down on the ground, he clasped his hands together as he continued, “The glow emanating from you has captivated my soul! I had tried to ignore and suppress the attraction but it’s breaking my heart. What is this thing pulling me towards you?”

I stood motionless unable to believe that Kama Deva’s was confessing to me!

“Oh, Rati! These past months I have been observing you. The more I look at you the more I want to! I have truly, fallen in love with you. I request you, plead you, beseech you, to accept me as your husband and become my consort!”

Not in my wildest dreams had I imagined anyone saying these words of love to ME!

“Rati, please, say something…” he pleaded, his confidence turning to worry with every passing second.

As reality slowly sunk in, tears welled into my eyes and happiness filled my heart! Unable to speak, I just nodded.

Kama Deva stood up ecstatic. His happiness knew no bounds. “Let’s hurry then! We have no time to lose! I must speak with your father right away!”

Prajapati Daksha’s Palace

My father was more than pleased to finally get the most handsome God as his son-in-law. It was a matter of pride for him. Elated, he set the marriage date for a month later.

Before the ceremony, as I stepped out of the ritual bath, Goddess Lakshmi came to me and presented me with a chest as a pre-wedding gift.

“Inside the chest are items of Shringar,” said Goddess Lakshmi and opened it for me to see.

I had never seen anything this beautiful before!

“Come, let me help you,” said the Goddess and helped me take a seat. At first she combed my hair. With scented flowers she adorned the bun. She placed a golden Maang Tika along the hair partition. On the centre of my forehead she placed a red bindi. She lined my eyes with kohl and lips with colour. She placed a nath on my nose and earrings on my ears.

My palms and foot were decorated with Mehendi.

She made me wear a Saree, in the most auspicious colour, red. On my arms, were the bajubandh, bangles around my wrist, kamarbandh around my waist, mangal sutra around my neck and sweet sounding anklets around my ankles. My fingers were decorated with rings, haathphool and aarsi and my toes with bichiya.

When I looked at my reflection, I found it hard to believe that I was the same Rati.

Reading my mind, Goddess Lakshmi smiled and said, “The most important Shringar is to believe that you are beautiful. The rest is just makeup!”