Shloka 2.18.10
अष्टादशः सर्गः — Kaikeyī Discloses the Boons: Exile to Daṇḍaka and Bharata’s Consecration
स दीन इव शोकार्तो विषण्णवदनद्युतिः।कैकेयीमभिवाद्यैव रामो वचनमब्रवीत्।।।।
sa dīna iva śokārto viṣaṇṇavadanadyutiḥ | kaikeyīm abhivādyaiva rāmo vacanam abravīt ||
Rāma, looking as though crushed by grief, his face dimmed by sorrow, first saluted Kaikeyī and then spoke.
With a sorrowful countenance Rama made salutation to Kaikeyi and said like a wretch tormented with grief:
Even in distress, Rāma maintains maryādā (proper conduct) by saluting Kaikeyī first—showing respect to elders and self-control as part of dharma.
Rāma approaches Kaikeyī after noticing King Daśaratha’s unusual silence and grief, and he begins to inquire about the cause.
Rāma’s vinaya (humility) and restraint: grief does not make him abandon respectful behavior.