Dasharatha's Anguish

Dasharatha was thunderstruck when he heard Kaikeyi's boons and fell unconscious to the ground. When he regained consciousness, he saw Kaikeyi still standing in front of him and trembled like a deer before a lioness. With great difficulty, he sat up. 

He caught Kaikeyi's feet and pleaded, "Please don't exile Rama. I can survive for some time without water, air, and light, but not a moment without him. Everyone praises his truthfulness, friendship, knowledge, intelligence, bravery, and politeness. To this day, no one has heard a harsh word from his mouth. How can I send him to the forest, where many ferocious and terrifying animals reside? Kaikeyi, ask for anything on earth, and I will gladly give it to you, but don't snatch my Rama from me." 

Dasharatha was drowning in grief, but selfishness and greed had made Kaikeyi cruel, and his words did not affect her. "If you don't fulfill my demands, I will drink poison and end my life this night," she said severely.

Dasharatha found himself helpless. He felt that death was hovering over his head. "Okay, but before I die, let me see Rama's face once," he uttered in a trembling voice.