50. Our Babies.

The pain is so intense that I want it to end at any cost but I have to go on otherwise I will loose my baby.

The last pain and push tires me so much that I don't see my surrounding much. But I hear the sounds of wailing and happy cheers. It means everyone is safe and happy. I can rest, finally.

But then I hear the sound of someone scolding me. For goodness sake, who in the hell is that person?

Earlier That Day…..

My sword clashes with first man's sword but I know the second one can finish me so I take my knife from my leg with difficulty and stab the second one without taking my eyes off from the first man.

The second man moans in pain and I shout out too so my guards or anybody outside can hear me. But the first man pushes me and I fall on the bed and I scream in pain. I roll over when he attacks me and kick him with all my frustration.

I slash him with my sword and he fells down. He is without weapon and on ground so on ruse of killing him when he closes his eyes, I just hit the hilt of my sword on his head very strongly because of it he gets unconscious.

I turn around for the second man only to get disarm and my a cut on palm of hand with my own knife by the second man. He moves to stab me but suddenly his eyes widens and starts to fall down so I move back.

I see knife in his back and look up to see Danvi's shocking expression. But as I try to take step towards her, I feel another contraction and I moan out in pain which wakes Danvi come out of her shock.

She comes towards me and just then Father enters with guards. When he sees the scene in front of him, he first comes to check on me. But Mother comes before him.

"What happened here?" Father asks Danvi.

"I will tell you later, Tauji. But I think we need to take Manvi to another room and call the healer." Danvi says.

"She is in labour, Ram. I am taking her to Ma's room. It is the nearest one." Mother says and starts to help me walk but I can't. So Father helps me.

"Danvi saved me and killed one but I made other one unconscious. Bind him before he takes some poison." I tell Father and he in turn orders others.

Dadi and Dadu meets us halfway and comes to know about me. Mother makes the bed ready for and tells all men to leave the room. The healer's wife is also a healer. She comes and asks me questions as the midwife checks me.

"When did your water broke?" She asks as midwife tells her something.

"I don't know. I didn't realise it was broke on the first place." I say as Hira and Mother helps me change into my another nightgown as the first one got a bit dirty.

"It is okay. It happens. Sometimes you don't realise. But can you tell me for how long are you having pains?" She asks as I sit down on bed.

"It started before sunset but I thought they were just false like last time. But then they became furious when they attacked few minut-" I say but another contraction comes and I try to breath through my mouth.

"Would she be okay?" Mother asks as she gets worried.

"I forgot to tell you about my hand." I say as I show them my right hand.

"Manvi how did you not felt any pain? I also forgot about it. I am so sorry." Mother says as the healer bandages my wound.

"It is okay Mother. I think people like attacking my right side." I say and chuckle.

"She would be okay, my Queen. But it is going to be long night for her." The healer whispers but I still hear it.

The whole night goes with my contraction coming and going but it has yet to come at required pace. I braid my hairs and unbraid it then braid it again. I talk about my childhood to pass the time and ask other to talk too as I get bored. Also I wanted to get distracted.

I was doing everything possible to delay their birth because I wanted Rudra to be first to hold them when they are born. I want to see the look on his face and hold it in my memory for forever. But in the early morning the contractions become more painful and the time to deliver them came too.

"But they can't come now. Rudra has yet to come." I yell as another pain stabs me.

"Rudra would be here soon. Your Father sent for him last night only. But you have to focus on your babies otherwise their life could get in danger." Mother says as she wipes the sweat from my head and caress it.

I whimper at the thought of hurting my babies and also about the fact Rudra is not here. But right now I will only focus on my babies. Yes I can do that. 

"I see the first baby crowning. Princess, I want you to push with all your might when the next contraction hits you. Okay?" The healer says.

"What do you think I am doing here? Definitely not dancing. But I think that is what brought me here. And the one who requested it has yet to arrive. After this if I don't make him dance for me, my name is not Man-" I say but the contraction hits me and I focus on pushing with everything and scream so loudly that even Mother is cringing.

"It is a prince, Princess Manvi." The midwife says as she takes the crying baby. As I try to control my breathing, I see Dadi and Pratibha chachi hovering around the midwife as she cleans my baby boy who is still crying. I get worried why is he still crying.

"You did so good, Manvi. Just one more, okay?" Mother says and I remember that I have another one coming.

A knock comes on the door and a person says, "Prince Rudra has entered the city. He would be here any minute." 

"Okay." Gauravi chachi says.

"Look, Manvi and Durga. Your son and your grandson." Dadi says as she bring my first child towards me who has stopped crying as Dadi cradles him.

As Mother holds him, he is squirming. I look at him and his fragile fingers holds my one. Then he burst out in cry again. Before I can ask or soothe him another contraction comes.

"Princess just one more time then you can rest as much as you want. I am ready when you are." She says as my contraction goes away.

Yes like I have an option to decide but I will have my second baby soon and would be able to hold them. I didn't even got to hold my boy. He is still crying and that is breaking my heart. I am so tired. One last push and they would be in my arms.

With that thought in my mind when the next contraction hits me, I give my all strength and get the gift one more roaring cry. I smile as I close my eyes. Finally they are here. Soon Rudra would be here too.

I hear the the sound of happy cheers from outside as the healer helps me. I can finally sleep but I will miss them kicking. I forgot to ask if my second baby is girl or boy. I want too but I can't even open my eyes.

I am covered in blanket and I start to loose total consciousness when I hear some saying something near my ears. More like scolding.

"Manvi, wake up. Open your eyes. You can't leave me like this. Open your eyes. I tell if you leave me-" I hear Rudra saying.

"For goodness sake, Rudra. I just gave birth to two babies. Instead worshipping me you are scolding me. I am trying to sleep. Can't a girl relax? Seriously." I say as I open my eyes and look at his face, "Now why does your face looks like it has seen a ghost? And don't tell me it is because I don't look good." 

He smiles and embraces me tightly, "When the messenger came and told me you were attacked I got so scared. Then when I came in and saw your pale face and closed eyes, I got more worried. I thought…" 

"I am fine. Just so tired. Did you saw them?" I ask as all the sleep goes away from my eyes at the thought of seeing them.

"No. Dadi is busy showing them off to our family. I came to see you directly." He says as he kisses my cheeks.

"I only saw the first one. I don't even know if the second one is boy or girl." I say.

"I don't know about both of them." He says.

"It is a boy." I say as I smile and a single tear fells from Rudra's eye. I brush it away.

"Rudra, Manvi ready to meet your babies." Mother and Pratibha chachi comes behind Dadi as she says it.

"Here. This is first baby boy." Mother says as she gives it Rudra.

"And here is your second baby boy." Pratibha chachi says as Mother helps me sit up and I take him in my arms.

"Both boys? Not even one girl." Rudra says and I look up at him.

"Give him to me. If you want girl have it by yourself. They are my boys." I say as I try to take the the older one from him.

"Hey. I was just joking. We can have girl later. But I love both of them." Rudra says and I know he does when he looks at them with so much love.

"Thank you for everything." Rudra says as he kisses my hand.

"Rudra, what will they think?" I say as I snatch my hand away as I point towards our elders.

"We won't mind anything." Pratibha chachi teases us.

"Rudra you go out. We have to help Manvi clean up and feed the babies then make them rest. She needs it the most." Mother says and Rudra gives baby to Pratibha chachi and leaves after giving me last loving look. I give my baby to Dadi

After I get cleaned up, I feed the babies and Mother helps me with it. After they are fed, Father, Samar chachu and Rudra bring in the royal cradle made especially for them. Gauravi chachi does some pooja then babies are put in them after they are covered in Swarnalipuram's color blankets that is white with gold trims.

Danvi and Shivu come in the room and say, "The bua and chachi are very excited to meet the new member of our family."

As they hold the baby, Father asks me if I am okay and also tells me that my parents and siblings have crossed the borders and would soon be here. Dadu gives Rudra and me blessings. After that I don't know when I fall into deep slumber even though there was so much noise.

It is late afternoon when I wake up because of hunger. I see Father and Mother looking at their first grandchildren with tears in their eyes. I try to sit up and Hira comes to my aid. Just then Rudra enters with two maids carrying aromatic food which makes my stomach growl.

"Looks like I am just in time." Rudra says as the maids put everything on table. 

"That you are. I am so hungry. And if I am not wrong I smell my favourite Methi Dal made by Gauravi chachi and also Lauki Kofta made by Pratibha chachi. Also Methi Paaner sabzi by Mother. And not to forget Badam Halwa by Dadi. But why did all of you made so many favourite things of mine?" I ask as Mother gives my son to Rudra and arranges a plate for me.

"This is an appreciation feast for you. It is our own ritual. When a woman gives birth in our family, every woman makes her favourite food for that new mother. Just like we did it for Teju but you were not there, that is why you don't know." Mother says and comes towards me and feeds me with her own hand.

"Everything is so delicious." I say as I eat.

"They are all healthy food which can be eaten after delivery. It will give you strength and keep you healthy too." She says as Danvi and Shivu enter the room with a bowl in their hands.

"Look Manvi bhabhi, I made kheer for the first time especially for you." Shivu says as she brings me kheer.

"And I made sweetcorn cutlet for you with ragi flour. This both are approved by Dadi." Danvi says and I eat it.

"They are so great. Danvi it is really what I needed.And the kheer is so good. Shivu it is the first time you cooked something right? Rudra give something to her." I say.

Rudra promises to gift her whatever she wants but Father stops him and says, "I will give my daughters the gifts they like. Come Shivu, I want to eat that kheer too."

After lunch, Rudra picks me up and takes me back to our old room. He complains about missing my weight and I slap his arm lightly and hide my face in his neck. He puts me on bed and in comes Danvi and Mother with three guards carrying the cradle. I ask Mother and Danvi to bring them to me.

"It has been a while since I have them in arms." I say as I take them both in my each arm and sigh.

"You took them in your arms in morning only." Rudra says as he opens the door to balcony.

"That was long time ago. And I didn't take the older one. They look so similar which is which I don't even know that. I am such a terrible person. I gave them birth and then just slept and ate." I say as I feel tears coming to my eyes.

"Manvi, you were tired and you needed rest. We all are here for you if you need any help. And don't forget I am their Dadi, so get used to the fact that they would stay with me more. The one wearing golden and white blanket is the older one and the one wearing blue and white is younger one." Mother says as she wipes my tears away.

"Okay. They look so tiny but still kick like they used too. I can't imagine that just yesterday they were in my womb. They look so beautiful." I say as I look at them.

"Did you both decided any names?" Danvi asks.

"We thought some names and Rudra also liked it." I say.

"Really. What are they?" Mother asks.

"You will know at the sixth day on the naming ceremony." Rudra says.

"Fine. You both enjoy your time with my grandsons. But if you need anything we all are here. And we will come uninvited in your room from now onwards if out heart wants to see them." Mother says.

"Ofcourse. Anytime. They are all yours." I say and they leave.

Rudra sits beside me and caress their heads. I look up at him and see him looking down at me with immense love. A year and half before I would have not thought I could be this happy. But here I am with my husband and my sons and I could not ask more than their safety and happiness.

At first I was very scared of so many things. How to bath them without letting water get into their mouth or ears or eyes? How to bundle them in the blanket? After feeding what if they vomit it back?

But with the help of my family and experienced women around me, I was learning it slowly. My sons have my hair colour and eyes but Rudra's look. 

Father and Rudra told me that the two men who attacked me were also there to kidnap Danvi. They were the one who staged fake kidnapping of children to get Rudra out of the palace. Because of that incident, the security around has gotten very strict. Father has appointed Adira my personal guard which is the only thing I liked. We caught up and talked for a while.

My parents and siblings come a day before naming ceremony along with Teju bua, Kumud Ma and Anshu. I get so happy just by looking at them. Ma and Papa hugs me first. Then Papa sits Janu in his lap as they hold my first son and I can see tears in his eyes. While Ma, Shravan and Teju bua hold my second son one by one.

Kumud Ma kisses my forehead and asks about my health. She tells me that she wanted to see me so left everything to my chachus. They will visit me after they go back. Then she goes to meet my babies while Anshu stays by my side.

The name ceremony day comes and I get ready in red and white lehenga. While Mother and Ma holds my babies, Rudra helps me on the stairs. Then we do some pooja.

"So tell us the name already." Papa says.

"The first prince sun sign is Virgo and the second prince sign is Aquarius." The priests says.

"We totally forgot about sun signs." Rudra says.

"We did but the name we selected do match." I say.

"Yes. I wil say first then you." Rudra says.

"So excited." I tease him as we both take one son. He takes the older one while I take the younger one. He whispers name in his ear first then says aloud.

"Our first son name is Paarth. The one who would never miss his target. His target to keep his family happy and safe. His target to look after his people and protect them at any cost." Rudra says as he kisses his head.

"Our second son's name is Siddharth. The one has accomplished a goal. The first goal he accomplished is to make me a Ma and so happy. I hope he accomplishes every right goal he would have for his family and people." I say and kiss his head.

Everybody cheers at the names as they all say they love it. Paarth and Siddharth. After that celebrations go on for long time. My Prayag family is going to stay here till the end of the month so they can also celebrate Holi with us.

As I change into comfortable nightgown to sleep, I see Danvi in my room. Rudra and babies are with others and would be here in few minutes. Danvi looks up at me and I know what this means. She going out of the palace to find Arjun.

"So it is time." I say.

"Yes. I just wanted to know the name so I could taunt him. And also I wanted to know my nephews names. But I would be okay. Don't worry about me at all." Danvi says.

"I know. Kaali's people will help you, right?." I say and she nods.

"I just couldn't go without informing you. Please tell Ma I would be okay. And I would come back soon with her son." She says as she holds my hand.

"I will. Take Care. My sons would miss their chachi. So come back soon with their chachu." I say then hug her tightly.

"You too. And I will." She says then leaves through secret door in my room.

I wear my robe and stand in the balcony to feel the night breeze. Soon summer would come and new stories will start but that does not mean that my and Rudra story is finished.

No. It has just started new chapter in our life. And that proves right when Rudra enters the room with Hira and our sons. They put them in cradle and Hira leaves. Rudra comes in the balcony and hugs me. 

He nuzzles my neck and looks me in my eyes. And just when he goes to kiss, we hear the faint cry of one baby. Then the other one joins his brother to proves he is the loudest.

"You can wait but they can't." I say to Rudra the kiss his cheek and we both go to see to our sons' needs.

My last thought before falling asleep that night was that Danvi and Arjun find love in their journey and come home soon.