Krishnapriya Devashree

89. A Boon Fulfilled

Krishna's eyes widened as he stared at the pool forming on the floor beneath Devashree.He stood frozen for a heartbeat longer before snapping into action. 

"Right! Right! Okay, okay... don't panic, everything's going to be fine!" he rambled, though his voice betrayed a slight tremble.

"Calm Swami."

"Right, right. Stay calm. I'm calm. Don't panic Shree" He clearly wasn't calm because his hands fumbled slightly as he wrapped his arm around her waist, guiding her.

Devashree raised an eyebrow at him. "I'm not panicking, Swami. You are."

Krishna's eyes widened. "Me? No, no... I'm calm! Completely calm!" He glanced around wildly. "I just need to—uh—get someone! Dau! DAU! Guards!" he yelled. "Fetch the midwives! Now! And prepare the birthing chamber!"

 Devashree grabbed his hand. "Swami, breathe." Her voice was steady, though a flicker of nervousness crossed her features. "It's happening. Our baby is coming."

"But... but it's too early! It's a month and a half too early!"

Realization dawned on her. "

Oh no... you're right. Swami... it's too early!" Her calm demeanor shattered, and pure panic flickered across her face. "What if something goes wrong? Swami... what do we do?"

His own heart was pounding as he grabbed her by the shoulders. "Shh, Priye, it's going to be okay," he said.

Devashree nodded shakily, "But... it's  really too soon," she whispered again, her breath hitching as she felt another pang. "What if something—"

Krishna cupped her face gently, forcing her to meet his eyes. "Shh, Devashree. Listen to me. It's going to be okay. We're going to get you to the birthing chamber right now. I'll grab the things, help you change into a robe, and we'll be ready. Just breathe, okay?"

She nodded, though her breath came in shallow, rapid bursts. "But... it shouldn't be happening this early.....especially now that the amniotic sac has ruptured.... "

Krishna shook his head firmly, though panic was clawing at the back of his mind. "No, no, Priye. Don't think like that. Our child will be fine. We'll get you the best care. But first, we have to stay calm. Let's go"

Devashree winced as a small contraction gripped her, but she kept walking, trusting in her husband's presence beside her.

Once inside their chamber, Krishna grabbed a soft robe from a nearby chest and helped Devashree change out of her saree "I've got you, Priye," he murmured. "We'll get through this together."

Devashree nodded, trying to stay calm as another contraction rippled through her abdomen. "Swami..." she whispered, her voice strained. Krishna met her gaze, brushing a gentle kiss across her forehead.

"I'm here," he promised, helping her slip into the robe. 

Together, they made their way down the corridor, moving as fast as they could. When they reached the entrance of the birthing chamber, the sight before them gave Krishna some relief—Mata Rohini, Mata Devaki, Revati Bhabhi, and Mata Madhulika were already there, surrounded by midwives.

"Bring her inside," Mata Rohini instructed though her eyes betrayed her worry. "Quickly, before the labor advances."

Krishna moved to follow, but Mata Devaki stepped in his way. "You can't come in, Krishna," she said gently but with authority. "This is the women's space now."

Krishna's eyes widened in protest. "But Mata I need to—"

Mata Devaki placed a firm hand on his shoulder, her gaze softening as she looked at her son. "No, you don't. Right now, your place is outside. The midwives and we will take care of Devashree. You've done all you can."