Chapter 5 : Family

One warm afternoon, beneath the benevolent shade of the Banyan tree, Raavana sat cross-legged, engrossed in deciphering a particularly complex verse from the Sangam literature. The poetic lines had become a tapestry of thought in his mind, a puzzle he was determined to solve.

However, his focused concentration was suddenly disrupted by a voice - a voice filled with both annoyance and yearning. Turning his attention away from the scroll, Raavana saw his little sister, Surpanakha, standing before him, her small hands planted firmly on her hips. Her pouty expression and furrowed brows were impossible to ignore.

"Raava," Surpanakha huffed, using the affectionate nickname she had given him, "you're always busy with those old scrolls and your exercises! You don't have any time for us anymore."

Raavana looked at his sister with a mix of fondness and mild surprise. In the midst of his scholarly and martial pursuits, he had indeed given less attention to his younger siblings. It wasn't that he didn't care for them; he had simply been engrossed in his quest for knowledge and self-improvement.

"You must understand, Surpa," he began gently, using the endearing nickname he had given her, "I'm trying to learn and prepare myself for the future. These scrolls hold the wisdom of ages, and I want to be the best warrior and scholar I can be."

Surpanakha folded her arms and tilted her head, her eyes searching her older brother's face.

"I know, Raava, but what about now? Can't you spend some time with us now?"

Her words touched Raavana's heart. He had always been protective of his younger siblings, and their bond was something he cherished deeply. Realizing he had inadvertently distanced himself from them, he sighed and set aside his scrolls.

"You're right, Surpa. I've been too preoccupied with my studies and training. Let's do something fun together."

Raavana and Surpanakha spent the rest of the day playing games, telling stories, and laughing. Raavana was amazed at how much his little sister had grown and the depth of her curiosity. Her youthful enthusiasm was contagious, and for the first time in years, Raavana felt a different kind of fulfillment - the joy of bonding with family.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with warm hues, they sat beneath the Banyan tree, their shoulders touching. Raavana realized that the pursuit of knowledge and strength was not a solitary endeavor; it was also about nurturing relationships and creating bonds.

The next day, for the first time since Raavana embarked on his intellectual and physical pursuits, he decided it was time to take a break and bond with his younger siblings. As the morning sun bathed the surroundings in a warm, golden hue, he gathered his brothers and sister, prepared for a day of exploration in the forest. The idea was met with unbridled enthusiasm by his siblings, who cheered and chatted excitedly about the adventure ahead.

Before venturing into the forest, Raavana paid a visit to his father, Vishrava, his mother, and Devavarnini, his stepmother. He spoke with a sense of assurance, "I know this forest like the palm of my own hand, and I assure you, no harm will befall us." His parents, each with a distinctive response, observed their son's growth.

Devavarnini couldn't help but pout playfully, "Finally, the boy has decided to take a break! I was beginning to wonder if he'd forgotten he's just a twelve-year-old." She chuckled at her own jest. Raavana's mother, Kaikesi, joined in the light-hearted banter, teasing her husband, Vishrava, who had been the stern instructor.

"I'm glad she gave him a gentle nudge," Kaikesi quipped. "He gets so engrossed in his pursuits that he sometimes forgets his age. He's turning into more of a hermit than you, my lord." Her words carried a warm affection, a testament to the family's unique dynamics.

As Raavana led his spirited siblings into the forest, his parents watched with pride and contentment, their home filled with laughter and the harmonious voices of youth. The siblings' laughter faded into the forest's embrace, leaving the parents to reminisce about the ever-evolving journey of their extraordinary son.