Dharmyudh : The Rewritten Destiny

66.1 Prasen

The sun was setting over Dwarika, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

In the golden twilight of Dwarika, the air was filled with anticipation and a gentle buzz of excitement. The grand palace, adorned with intricate carvings and shimmering decorations, echoed with the footsteps and murmurs of its inhabitants. This evening was special, not just because it marked the end of another peaceful day in Krishna's prosperous kingdom, but because Jhanvi, Krishna’s beloved younger sister, was about to give birth.

Inside the opulent palace, the atmosphere was tense yet filled with an underlying excitement. In a spacious room, Jhanvi lay on a beautifully carved wooden bed, draped in soft, golden sheets that reflected the evening light. Her face, though strained with the pains of labor, radiated a certain calm and determination. Around her, the women of the family formed a circle of love and support. Rukmini sat close to Jhanvi's head, whispering words of encouragement and gently stroking her hair. Revati, Balram’s graceful wife, held Jhanvi’s hand, her eyes reflecting a mix of concern and hope. Subhadra, the youngest sister, stood by the bedside, her face a picture of youthful eagerness and gentle assurance.

Devaki, the matriarch of the family, had Jhanvi’s head resting in her lap. Her presence was a pillar of strength, her hands steady and comforting as she wiped the sweat off Jhanvi’s brow with a soft cloth. Her voice, soothing and filled with love, murmured prayers and words of comfort. Around them, the palace doctors and nurses moved with quiet efficiency, their faces serious and focused as they prepared for any eventuality.

Outside the room, in the grand hallway, the men of the family waited with bated breath. Krishna stood at the center, his usual calm demeanor now tinged with anxious anticipation. Balram, his elder brother, paced back and forth, his usually stern face softened with concern for his sister. Vasudev, their father, sat in a chair, his hands clasped in silent prayer. The atmosphere was thick with expectation, the silence only broken by the occasional muffled sound from within the room.

Inside, the scene was one of intimate solidarity. The women continued their whispered reassurances, their faces illuminated by the warm glow of oil lamps. The room was filled with the sounds of gentle encouragement, mixed with the occasional instruction from the midwives and nurses bustling around, ready with their medicines and equipment for any emergency. The air was thick with the scent of medicinal herbs and the warmth of familial love.

Rukmini’s voice was a constant presence, her words a steady stream of comfort.

Rukmini :- You are doing wonderfull, Jhanvi.

She murmured, her hand never leaving Jhanvi’s.

Rukmini :- Just a little more, and you will hold your child.

Revati, ever the calm presence, added her own words of support.

Revati :- We are all here with you, dear. You are strong, and you will bring this child into the world with all the love and courage in your heart.

Subhadra, her youthful face reflecting a mix of excitement and nervousness, leaned in closer.

Subhadra :- Think of the joy this child will bring to all of us, Jhanvi. You are not alone. We are with you, every step of the way.

Devaki’s hands were gentle as they wiped Jhanvi’s face, her touch a balm to the younger woman’s distress.

Devaki :- Breathe, my child. The gods are watching over you and your baby. All will be well.

The minutes seemed to stretch into eternity, each one marked by the labored breathing of Jhanvi and the quiet, steady encouragement of her family. Outside, Krishna’s eyes were fixed on the closed doors, his thoughts a silent prayer for his sister’s safety and the health of the child. Balram’s pacing had slowed, his eyes now also turned towards the doors, his face set in a mask of hopeful determination.