RANISA-HIS FIRST WIFE

25. Night of the Scream

Next chapter will be uploaded on vedi03.stck.me and here on wattpad will be uploaded next week. word count:3138 

Third person pov:)

The night was still, the palace shrouded in darkness, with only the occasional flicker of torchlight illuminating the stone corridors. Silence reigned, a calm that had settled over the kingdom like a blanket—until it was shattered by a piercing scream that echoed through the halls.

Abhirath bolted upright in bed, his heart pounding in his chest. He exchanged a quick glance with Vedanti, whose eyes were wide with alarm. Without a word, they both hurried to the source of the scream, their steps echoing in the silent palace as they rushed through the corridors.

They weren't alone. From every corner of the palace, servants, guards, and family members emerged, all drawn by the agonized cries that seemed to come from the depths of despair.

They reached the front of Trupti's chamber, where the gathered crowd was frozen in place, unsure of what to do.

Abhirath's heart sank as he saw Dev standing at the edge of the group, his face pale, his eyes wild with fear. Sweat beaded on Dev's forehead, and his breath came in short, shallow gasps, as if he was fighting to maintain control over his own body.

Abhirath stepped forward and placed a firm hand on Dev's shoulder, his touch meant to anchor his brother in the present. Their eyes met, and for a moment, no words were needed. Dev's gaze was desperate, full of fear and uncertainty, but Abhirath's was steady, offering silent support.

"She's strong," Abhirath whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of Trupti's screams. "She'll get through this."

Dev's jaw tightened as he gave a short nod, but he couldn't stay. The overwhelming fear for Trupti's life was too much for him to bear in that moment. Without a word, he turned and fled, disappearing down the corridor, his footsteps fading into the distance.

Inside the chamber, the scene was one of chaos. Trupti lay on the bed, her body wracked with pain as she screamed, her voice raw and desperate. Her hands clutched the sheets, her knuckles white with the effort. Sweat drenched her body, her face twisted in agony as wave after wave of contractions tore through her.

Her mother, who had mysteriously arrived at the palace in the dead of night, was at her side, holding her hand tightly. Her sudden appearance was a shock to everyone, but in the midst of the crisis, no one had time to question it.

Trupti's mother, her own face a mask of concern, whispered words of comfort into her daughter's ear, trying to soothe her.

"Stay strong, my love," she murmured, her voice trembling slightly. "You're almost there. Just a little longer."

Trupti's mother-in-law, too, was there, her hand resting on Trupti's forehead, brushing away the sweat-soaked strands of hair that clung to her skin. "You're doing so well, Trupti," she said softly, though her own heart was pounding in her chest.

"Just a little more, and it will all be over. You'll have your baby in your arms soon."

But Trupti could barely hear them over the roaring in her ears, the pain overwhelming her senses. Tears streamed down her face as she screamed again, the sound filled with a mixture of fear, pain, and desperation.

Outside the chamber, Vedanti stood with the rest of the royal family, her face pale as she listened to Trupti's cries. The air was thick with tension, the atmosphere heavy with the weight of what was happening inside.

Vedanti's heart ached, despite the animosity she felt toward Trupti. No woman should have to endure this kind of pain alone.

Abhirath glanced at her, his eyes filled with concern. "Are you all right?" he asked softly, his hand brushing against hers.