Chapter 114: chapter 114

S A N M A Y I ---The morning sun bathed the palace gardens in a golden hue, the rays gently warming my face as I sat on a cushioned bench beneath the sprawling peepal tree. Amaravati, once shadowed by conspiracies and unrest, now thrummed with a different energy—an energy of hope, unity, and joyful anticipation.I placed a hand over my growing belly, marveling at the miracle of life within me. Every movement, every flutter was a reminder of the promise of a future I dared to dream of. Yet, with that joy came an undercurrent of apprehension. The memory of loss was never far from my mind, but I had resolved not to let it dim the light of this moment.“Devi,” came Madhavi’s voice, gentle yet firm. I looked up to see her standing a few paces away, holding a tray with a cup of herbal tea. She had been assigned to me since the last dark chapter of our lives and was now more watchful than ever. “It’s time for your tea. The physician insists it will strengthen both you and the baby.”I smiled, accepting the cup with gratitude. “Madhavi, you have become the keeper of my every breath. Sometimes I wonder if you watch me even in my sleep.”Her cheeks reddened slightly, but she did not deny it. “It is my honor, Devi. The entire kingdom awaits this child. Nothing must be left to chance.”I took a sip, savoring the earthy warmth. “And what of you, Madhavi? Do you not grow weary of such vigilance?”“Not at all,” she said earnestly. “After all that has happened, ensuring your well-being is the least I can do.”---The days in Amaravati were filled with a unique rhythm, blending the routine of governance with the excitement of preparation. The palace halls echoed with the sound of artisans crafting cradles, weavers creating fine swaddling cloths, and cooks experimenting with nourishing recipes.Ranajay, true to his word, had taken extraordinary measures to safeguard the palace. The guard rotations were stricter than ever, and the kitchens were under constant surveillance. Though he tried to mask it, I could see the shadow of worry in his eyes whenever we spoke of the baby.“Sanmayi,” he said one evening as we dined in the privacy of our chambers. “I’ve ordered additional guards for the eastern wing. The healers’ quarters will now be under watch as well.”I set down my spoon and reached across the table, placing my hand over his. “Ranajay, you’ve done everything humanly possible to ensure our safety. More than that, you’ve given me the courage to hope again. Let us not let fear steal the joy of this moment.”He sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “You’re right. But I cannot help it. After all we’ve endured, I will not take any risks.”I squeezed his hand gently. “We will face whatever comes, together. That is our strength.”He smiled then, a rare and genuine smile that melted away the tension between us. “Together,” he repeated, as if the word itself was a promise.---The kingdom, too, seemed to share in our anticipation. Reports from the provinces spoke of festivals being planned in honor of the royal heir, and temples were offering prayers for a safe delivery. Amaravati’s streets bustled with activity, the people united by a collective hope that transcended rank and station.One afternoon, I ventured into the palace gardens, accompanied by a small entourage of attendants and guards. The jasmine bushes were in full bloom, their fragrance mingling with the sound of birdsong. As I walked, I came across a group of young children playing beneath the banyan tree. They paused when they saw me, their wide eyes filled with a mixture of awe and shyness.“Do not stop on my account,” I said warmly, gesturing for them to continue.One of the older girls, no more than eight, stepped forward hesitantly. “Devi,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, “is it true that you’re going to have a baby?”I knelt down to her level, smiling. “Yes, it is true. And when the baby arrives, I hope they will grow up to be as brave and kind as all of you.”Her eyes lit up, and she turned to the others, whispering excitedly. Before I could rise, another child—a boy with a mischievous grin—offered me a garland of marigolds. “For the baby,” he said proudly.I accepted the garland, my heart swelling with emotion. “Thank you. This is the most precious gift.”As I returned to my chambers later, I couldn’t help but reflect on the innocence and purity of the children’s gestures. It was a reminder of what we were fighting for—not just our own happiness, but a future where such innocence could thrive.---That evening, as the palace settled into quiet, Ranajay and I sat by the balcony, gazing at the moonlit gardens. The soft glow illuminated his face, highlighting the depth of his features and the quiet strength in his eyes.“Do you think it’s a boy or a girl?” he asked, breaking the silence.I laughed softly. “Does it matter? Boy or girl, they will have your stubbornness and my wit. A dangerous combination, don’t you think?”He chuckled, a sound I cherished. “Dangerous indeed. But whatever they inherit, they will be loved.”I leaned against his shoulder, feeling the steady rhythm of his breath. “Ranajay, do you ever think about what kind of parent you’ll be?”“All the time,” he admitted. “I think of the mistakes I don’t want to repeat, the lessons I hope to teach. But mostly, I think about protecting them—giving them the freedom to dream, just as your mother gave you.”His words brought a lump to my throat. “She would have loved this moment,” I said quietly. “To see her legacy continue.”“She is here, Sanmayi,” he said, placing a hand over mine. “In you, in this child. Her spirit lives on.”I closed my eyes, letting his words settle over me like a comforting blanket. For the first time in a long while, I felt truly at peace.---The days turned into weeks, and the anticipation grew stronger with each passing moment. As I walked through the bustling palace, feeling the life within me, I realized that this child was more than a symbol of hope. They were a testament to resilience, to love, and to the enduring strength of the human spirit.Though the path had been fraught with trials, I knew we had emerged stronger, more united. And as I stood by the window that night, gazing at the stars, I whispered a silent prayer—for the child, for the kingdom, and for the promise of a brighter tomorrow.Expectancy.