The palace of Brajram was alive with anticipation. In the months following their marriage, King Vishwanat and Queen Vandana's bond had only grown stronger, their love deepening with each passing day. Now, their love was to be given the ultimate form: a child. The kingdom waited eagerly for the birth of the heir to the Brajram throne—a child who would unite both his father's strength and his mother's grace.
The Signs of New Life
It had been almost a year since Vandana had first announced the joyous news to Vishwanat. One evening, as they sat together in their private chambers, Vandana reached for Vishwanat's hand, placing it gently on her belly. She looked up at him with a radiant smile, her eyes brimming with emotion.
"Vishwanat," she whispered, her voice trembling with excitement. "I believe I am with child."
Vishwanat stared at her for a moment, his heart racing with disbelief and joy. Then, as the truth of her words settled over him, his face broke into a wide smile. Without a word, he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against him.
"A child," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Our child."
The months that followed were filled with preparation and excitement, not just within the palace but throughout the kingdom. The news spread quickly, and the people of Brajram celebrated with feasts, music, and prayers for the health of the queen and her unborn child. Vishwanat, though he continued his duties as king, became even more protective of Vandana, making sure she was surrounded by the best care the kingdom had to offer.
The Night of the Storm
On the night that Vandana went into labor, the skies above Brajram were filled with dark clouds, and a fierce storm raged outside the palace walls. The wind howled through the corridors, and rain lashed against the windows, but within the palace, a different kind of storm was brewing—a storm of life.
Vandana had been feeling the first stirrings of labor for hours, but she remained calm, her face serene despite the pain that gripped her body. She knew that this was the moment she had been waiting for, the moment when she would bring their child into the world.
Vishwanat, on the other hand, was a bundle of nerves. He paced outside the royal chambers, his hands clasped behind his back, his brow furrowed with worry. The sound of Vandana's labored breathing reached him through the thick wooden doors, and every cry she made sent a pang of anxiety through his heart.
He had faced battles, negotiated with rival kings, and led his people through difficult times, but nothing had ever made him feel as helpless as this. He wanted nothing more than to be by her side, to hold her hand and offer her comfort, but tradition dictated that he wait outside the birthing chamber until the midwives summoned him.
The royal physician, a wise and experienced woman named Maithili, emerged from the chamber to reassure him. She placed a gentle hand on his arm, her voice calm and steady.
"Your queen is strong, Your Majesty," she said. "She is handling this with great courage. The child will be here soon."
Vishwanat nodded, though his heart still pounded in his chest. "Thank you, Maithili. Please... take care of her."
Maithili smiled reassuringly before disappearing back into the chamber. Vishwanat continued to pace, the minutes dragging by like hours. Outside, the storm showed no signs of letting up, the thunder rumbling in the distance like a fierce drumbeat.