Shloka 2.18.9
अष्टादशः सर्गः — Kaikeyī Discloses the Boons: Exile to Daṇḍaka and Bharata’s Consecration
अन्यदा मां पिता दृष्ट्वा कुपितोऽपि प्रसीदति।तस्य मामद्य संप्रेक्ष्य किमायासः प्रवर्तते।।।।
anyadā māṃ pitā dṛṣṭvā kupito 'pi prasīdati |
tasya mām adya saṃprekṣya kim āyāsaḥ pravartate || 2.18.9 ||
At other times, even when angry, my father is soothed upon seeing me; why then, today, after looking at me, has distress arisen in him?
On other occasions even though angry he would feel pleased. But today why does he feel sad even after seeing me?
Filial dharma: Rama’s first response to a change in the king’s demeanor is concern and inquiry, reflecting responsibility toward a parent’s well-being.
Rama notices Dasharatha’s unusual sorrow despite seeing him and wonders about its cause.
Sensitivity and pitṛbhakti (devoted attentiveness to one’s father), joined with a truthful desire to understand what is wrong.