Kaikeyi's Fateful Boons

When King Dasharatha heard that Kaikeyi was in the sulking chamber, he rushed to meet her. He was shocked to see her lying on the ground. She was wearing an unwashed saree, and her ornaments were strewn across the floor. He made several attempts to learn why she was sad, but she remained mute, like a stone statue.

Finally, Dasharatha said, "I love Rama more than anything in my life, and I swear by him—I will do as you say." When Dasharatha swore by Rama, Kaikeyi sat up. She was familiar with the traditions of the Solar dynasty, wherein a king would even give up his life to keep his word. She was now certain that Dasharatha would fulfill her demands.

"Do you remember the war between the gods and the asuras several years ago?" said Kaikeyi. "You were fighting on the gods' side when an enemy's arrow struck you and you fainted. You were hovering between life and death. During that fearsome night, I became your charioteer and guided your chariot out of the battlefield. Afterward, I removed the arrow lodged in your body and nursed you back to health. When you regained consciousness, you said you would grant me two boons."

"Yes, I remember," replied Dasharatha. "You may ask for those boons. I will certainly grant them." 

Upon hearing this, Kaikeyi was beside herself with joy. She wiped her tears and smiled. "O King," she said, "all your ancestors were true to their word, and I am sure you too will honor yours. My first boon is that my son, Bharata, be made king. My second boon is that Rama be exiled to the forest for fourteen years."