Dasaratha enslaved by his passion for Kaikeyi, firmly caught in the clutches of his overwhelming love for her, was treated to a harsh reply, "Nothing is amiss but I do have a wish. Promise me that you will grant it and I shall reveal it to you". The magnanimous king with a gentle smile said, "There is no woman in this world dearer to me than you and no man dearer than my Rama, the noblest among them.In the name of that son who is my very life, who is the reason why I live and without whom I cannot exist, I give you my word of honor, to fulfill your wishes.Prodded by a mind turned evil, recognizing her moment of triumph, Kaikeyi readied to reveal her fearful plan by uttering words so cruel, that they rang like a death knell to the noble soul Dasaratha.

"My Lord" said Kaikeyi, "Once again have you sworn to fulfill my wishes! May the gods led by Indra, the Sun, the Moon and the planets, including all the celestials and other living beings, bear witness to this. You had granted me two boons at the time of the deva danava conflict.I now claim them.If for any reason you deem not to honor them, I shall not live, for I would rather perish than face the humiliation".

Dasaratha entrapped by Kaikeyi's words, bound by the dictates of dharma, to his destruction fell into the trap as a deer unto the hunter's snare. He heard Kaikeyi say "Let the coronation be that of my son Bharata and let Rama be banished to the Dandaka forest for fourteen years clad in bark robes, to lead the life of an ascetic! Grant me these boons, be true to your word and uphold your traditions, your honor and that of your race". Kaikeyi's words, precise and decisive spelt doom, for they would prove to be the beginning of the end of a great king.