THE RULERS OF KHANSAAR ( PART 1 COMPLETED, PART 2 IS LOADING )

The days had slipped by in a blur of preparation and anticipation. The baby shower was still a fresh memory, and Khansaar hummed with excitement, waiting for the arrival of the newest member of the family. The air seemed thicker with anticipation, as if the very land itself was holding its breath, ready for a new life to begin.

Aarathi and Varadha spent countless hours together , discussing their future, their hopes for their child, and the life they dreamed of offering her. On most evenings, after the day's work, Aarathi would curl up beside Varadha, her head resting on his chest, her hand gently resting on her belly. It was their quiet time, just the two of them.

Tonight, as the cool night air swirled gently around the room, Aarathi lay in Varadha's arms, her fingers tracing patterns on his skin. She smiled as she gazed at the ceiling, her mind filled with thoughts of their baby.

Aarathi : I always wonder who he or  she'll look like.

Aarathi mused softly, her voice is almost a whisper.

Varadha smiled down at her, his hand resting lightly on her belly, feeling the small, comforting movements of their child. 

Varadha : Baby will have your eyes, I'm sure of it. Your kindness, your warmth... and she'll have my stubbornness, I suspect.

Aarathi chuckled softly, the sound like music to Varadha's ears. 

Aarathi : Stubbornness ? You think he or she'll be a warrior, like her father ?

Varadha's heart swelled with affection as he kissed the top of her head. 

Varadha : I don't know about that, but I do know he or she'll be strong. Strong enough to face whatever comes her way. Afterall the baby will get really good genes from us.

They lay in silence for a while, the room quiet except for the faint sounds of the night, the rustling of the trees, the distant murmur of the river. The warmth of the moment wrapped around them like a cocoon, and for a brief moment, everything felt perfect.

But then, just as Aarathi was about to drift into sleep, she gasped suddenly, a sharp intake of breath that jolted Varadha out of his peaceful thoughts.

Varadha : Aarathi !

he said, his voice filled with concern. He immediately pulled away slightly to look at her face. 

Varadha : What's wrong ? 

She winced again, her eyes squeezing shut, a hand pressed firmly against her abdomen. 

Aarathi : I... I think it's starting.

Varadha's heart skipped a beat. 

Varadha : No... now ? Are you sure ? 

She nodded, her face pale, but there was a calmness in her voice as she responded. 

Aarathi : I think... it's time.

His mind raced. He had imagined this moment, had prepared for it in every way possible, but now, in the quiet of the night, the reality of it felt more overwhelming than ever.

Without a second thought, Varadha sprang into action, calling for the midwives. Within moments, the house was in motion. Servants rushed about, preparing the room for the birth, while Varadha held Aarathi's hand, guiding her as she struggled to her feet.

In the grand hallway of Khansaar, the midwives were already assembling in the specially prepared labor room. The room was filled with warmth, the scent of sterilisation agents and incense is filling the air. Large cushions were placed around the room, and the dim glow of lanterns cast soft shadows on the walls.

Aarathi was gently laid down on the cushioned bed, her breathing shallow but steady. Varadha stood at her side, holding her hand, his eyes never leaving her face.

The midwives began their work, moving with practiced precision. One of them softly chanted a prayer under her breath as she guided Aarathi's breathing, while the others readied the room for the baby's arrival. Deva's mother, who had arrived earlier to help with the birth, stood quietly at the foot of the bed, her face a mixture of anticipation and reverence. Gynaecologist is also called to carry out the procedure if complications arise. A set up required for a C section is also made priorly.

As the hours passed, the tension in the air was thick, but Varadha never left Aarathi's side. He spoke to her in soft words, his hands gently holding hers, as if to remind her that she was not alone. Each breath, each contraction seemed to bring them closer to this moment.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the room filled with the sound of a baby's first cries.

Varadha : Aarathi...

 Varadha whispered, his voice is filled with awe.

The midwives smiled and moved aside as they gently placed the baby in a soft cloth, holding the tiny bundle carefully. Varadha's heart swelled with pride, but there was a quiet tenderness in his gaze as he looked down at the baby girl.

Midwife : Your daughter.

The  midwife said softly, handing the newborn to Varadha.

But Varadha, in a gesture of deep respect, turned to Deva's mother, who had been standing in silence all this time, her eyes misty. He nodded to her, his voice steady. 

Varadha : Please, hold her first.

Deva's mother, overwhelmed with emotion, took the baby carefully in her arms. She gazed at the child with tears in her eyes, her heart full of joy.

Deva's mother : This child ! 

She  whispered, her voice is thick with emotion, 

Deva's mother : she is is Kateramma's blessing. The holy mother herself has taken birth as your daughter, Varadha. This child will carry the strength of our ancestors.

Varadha's eyes softened as he stood beside her, his gaze lingering on the baby in her arms. There was a profound sense of peace in the air as Deva's mother whispered a blessing over the child, her voice full of devotion.

When the moment passed, Varadha gently took the baby from her arms, his hands trembling slightly as he held the tiny life in his arms. The newborn's eyes fluttered open, and Varadha couldn't help but be struck by how perfect she was, how delicate, how beautiful. He glanced at aarathi who is smiling at him weakly. He smiled back. 

He stepped outside the room with the baby in his arms.

He kissed her tiny fingers, his lips brushing against the soft skin. 

Varadha : Nanna promises you, dear.

He whispered softly, his voice full of love. 

Varadha : You will be a fearless princess, one who will rule with grace and strength.

Deva, who had been standing quietly at the side, stepped forward and placed a hand on Varadha's shoulder, his eyes soft with emotion. Slowly, he reached out and touched the baby's head, a gentle, almost reverent touch. The baby giggled, the soft sound bringing a smile to everyone's face. It was as though she could sense the love that surrounded her, the powerful bond between these two men, her father and her uncle, who would do anything for her. They would turn the world upside down if it meant protecting her.

Varadha smiled, his heart full. This was the moment he had always dreamed of. This was the beginning of a new chapter, not just for their family, but for Khansaar itself. The little princess who lay in his arms would grow up to be strong, fearless, and loved beyond measure.

And Varadha, with a promise in his heart, swore that he would move mountains for her. His love for Aarathi, for this child, for their future, would be unshakable.

...........

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