A long time ago in the kingdom of Ayodhya, there lived a wise king named Dasharatha. He had three queens—Kaushalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi. All three queens loved the king dearly, and the king loved them too.

Queen Kaikeyi was his favourite. She was not only beautiful but also very brave. Once, during a battle, she saved King Dasharatha’s life by holding up the broken wheel of his chariot! The king was so grateful that he gave her two boons—any two wishes she could ask for, anytime she wanted. Kaikeyi smiled and said, “I will use them when the time is right.”

Years passed, and Kaikeyi gave birth to a son named Bharat. Queen Kaushalya had a son named Rama, and Queen Sumitra had Lakshmana and Shatrughna. All the brothers loved each other and played together happily.

One day, King Dasharatha decided to crown his eldest son, Rama, as the new king. Everyone in Ayodhya was excited! But not everyone was happy.

Queen Kaikeyi had a maid named Manthara. She instigated Queen Kaikeyi, “If Rama becomes king, you and your son Bharat will be neglected! Rama's mother, Kaushalya, will get more importance than you.”

Kaikeyi got scared. Manthara reminded her of the two boons. “Use them now,” she whispered.

So Kaikeyi went to King Dasharatha and demanded, “I want my two boons. First, make Bharat the king. Second, exile Rama to the forest for 14 years!”

The king was shocked and heartbroken. But he couldn't go back on his promise. Unfortunately, he had to agree to both her wishes.

Rama, who was just 25 years old, did not get angry. He smiled gently and said, “I will go to the forest, Mother Kaikeyi, if that is what you wish.” His brother Lakshmana and wife Sita also decided to go with him.

But why 14 years? Because Kaikeyi thought that by the time 14 years passed, Bharat would be loved as king and no one would want Rama back. She believed time would make people forget.

But little did she know—Rama’s goodness was so strong that no one ever forgot him. The people of Ayodhya even followed him to the forest. Rama had to request them to leave.

Even Bharat didn’t want to be king! He placed Rama’s sandals on the throne and ruled as Rama’s representative, waiting for his big brother to return.

And so, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana went into the forest. Their journey was going to be a difficult one. But the three of them were courageous, ready to face every problem.