Kaikeyi Fears for the Five She Loves
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 13
Doha 13 · Movement 2 of 2
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Manthara's silence finally frightens Kaikeyi. The queen asks whether Ram, Dasharatha, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna are all well.
Her first response reveals an undivided household. She does not begin with herself or even with Bharata alone. Concern moves through husband, sons by every mother, and the brothers together.
At those beloved names, fresh pain pierces Manthara's heart because affection itself stands against the division she intends to create. Kaikeyi's innocence is visible at the threshold of deception: the family she is about to be taught to fear is still one living circle within her question.
Before suspicion enters, Kaikeyi's anxious heart gathers Ram and Bharata within the same breath.
Read the passage from the Manas
सभय रानि कह कहसि किन कुसल रामु महिपालु। लखनु भरतु रिपुदमनु सुनि भा कुबरी उर सालु।।13।।
Now fearful, the queen said: 'Why do you not speak? Are Rama, the Maharaja, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Ripudaman (Shatrughna, the subduer of foes) all well?' Hearing their names, a fresh pain pierced the hunchback's heart.