1.4: The Melodious Twins

In the mystical hermitage of sage Valmiki, where the aura of ancient wisdom permeated the air, my attention was drawn to two remarkable princes—Kusa and Lava. Cloaked in ascetic robes, their noble bearing and celestial voices cast a spell upon all who beheld them. Endowed with the grace of Dharma and blessed with the knowledge of Vedas, they embodied the very essence of virtue.

As Valmiki had composed the epic tale of my life, spanning twenty-four thousand verses across five hundred cantos, I couldn't help but ponder the weighty task of spreading this monumental narrative across the world.

Then, by the hands of fate, Kusa and Lava arrived at Valmiki's sacred abode. Their enchanting voices and innate musicality were like that of celestial Gandharvas incarnate, possessing a beauty that mirrored me. Their harmonious voices resonated with perfect pitch, evoking a myriad of emotions—from tender love to awe-inspiring courage, from sweet melancholy to resolute valor.

Recognizing their extraordinary talent and deep connection with the essence of the Ramayana, Valmiki chose the young princes as the torchbearers of his epic. With utmost reverence, Kusa and Lava absorbed the verses, their hearts becoming vessels for Valmiki's timeless tale.

Embracing their sacred duty, the brothers embarked on a wondrous journey, singing the epic in various places, captivating audiences far and wide. Their mellifluous voices reached the hearts of all who listened, resonating with the depth and beauty of Valmiki's words.

The fame of Kusa and Lava spread like wildfire, reaching even my ears and I extended an invitation to the illustrious singers, eager to hear the epic sung in his own court. In my palace, adorned with opulence and splendor, I sat upon a golden throne. My brothers and ministers surrounded me, eager to partake in the celestial melodies that were about to unfold.

As Kusa and Lava stepped forward, their presence exuded a regal aura. The expectant gazes of the assembly rested upon them, their anticipation palpable. I addressed Bharatha, Lakshmana, and Sathrugna, instructing them to listen attentively to the forthcoming performance.

With instruments tuned and voices in perfect harmony, the brothers began their enchanting recital. Their melodious voices filled the grand hall, resonating with each note as they unfolded the epic with unparalleled skill and grace.

Their verses transcended mere recitation, becoming a sensory experience that touched the souls of all present. The assembled dignitaries, their senses enraptured, wept tears of joy as the symphony of Kusa and Lava washed over them. Words of admiration filled the air, for the twins had woven a tapestry of melody and emotion that transported the listeners to the heart of Valmiki's narrative.

The assembled sages and wise men marveled at the twins' prowess, for Kusa and Lava had effortlessly entered the essence of each note and brought forth the magic of the seven musical scales. Their voices resonated with the emotions that permeated the epic—a medley of love, compassion, fear, courage, and sorrow.

In the wake of their spellbinding performance, the sages praised the twins' unparalleled talent. "How astonishing!" they exclaimed. "Their recitation breathed life into events of the past, as if they were present at those very moments."

Bathed in the shower of admiration, Kusa and Lava stood tall, their voices an ethereal symphony. The sages honored them, presenting a sanctified water pot and garments woven from sacred bark—a testament to their remarkable achievement.

Valmiki's epic had kindled a flame of wonder in the hearts of those who bore witness. It marked a milestone in the annals of storytelling, destined to become the cornerstone upon which future poets would build their own narratives.

Thus, dear reader, behold the wonder of Kusa and Lava—their voices, like ethereal instruments, breathed life into Valmiki's epic. Their melodies danced with the gods themselves, resonating through time and space, carrying the indomitable spirit of my saga to the corners of the world.

As Kusa and Lava completed their melodic masterpiece, silence descended upon the grand hall. The listeners, their hearts brimming with gratitude, erupted in thunderous applause, their souls forever touched by the magic woven by the twins' mellifluous voices.