Anuragaanjali ~ The Eternal Love ✅

Chapter 27 : The Joyful News

 A New Light in Aaradhya's Heart

The morning sun bathed Indraprastha in its golden glow, casting long, warm beams into Aaradhya's chamber. She sat by the window, gazing out at the sprawling gardens, a radiant yet contemplative smile playing on her lips. Her hand rested gently on her abdomen, her heart filled with a mixture of joy and nervousness.

She was with child. The realization had dawned upon her days ago, and now, she was certain. A quiet sense of wonder filled her as she thought of the tiny life growing within her—a piece of her and Arjun, a testament to their love.

Later that morning, Aaradhya shared the news with Kunti and Devika, who were ecstatic. Kunti's eyes filled with tears of joy as she embraced her daughter-in-law. "This child will be a blessing to our family, Aaradhya," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "Arjun must be told at the right time, but I think we should make it special for him."

Devika clapped her hands together, her face alight with excitement. "We should reveal it on his birthday! What better gift could there be for him?"

Aaradhya nodded, her cheeks glowing with happiness. "Yes, let it be a surprise. He will be overjoyed."

Kunti agreed. "But until then, we must keep it a secret. Arjun is perceptive; it won't be easy."

Aaradhya chuckled softly, thinking of her husband's keen instincts. She wondered if he had already sensed something.

That evening, as Aaradhya and Arjun spent time in the gardens, he wrapped his arms around her from behind, his chin resting on her shoulder. "There's something different about you," he murmured, his warm breath tickling her ear. "Every time I hold you, it feels... I don't know how to describe it. It's like there's a new energy between us, something deeper, something... divine."

Aaradhya smiled, leaning into him. "Perhaps it's just our love growing stronger with time," she said, her voice steady despite the secret she held.

Arjun turned her to face him, his eyes searching hers. "Maybe. But whatever it is, I cherish it." He kissed her forehead, his touch filled with tenderness. Aaradhya's heart swelled with joy, knowing that soon, he would learn the truth.

The days passed, and Aaradhya found herself marveling at how well she and the others managed to keep the secret. Arjun continued to express his feelings about the unique connection he felt when they were close, and Aaradhya savored those moments, knowing they were tied to the life within her.

One night, however, their blissful routine was interrupted.

Arjun stirred restlessly in his sleep, his brow furrowed. His breaths quickened as a vivid dream unfolded in his mind.

In the dream, he stood in a battlefield, his Gandiva drawn, surrounded by chaos. Thunder roared, and the skies wept fire. Aaradhya appeared, standing at a distance, her figure bathed in a soft, golden glow. She extended her hand toward him, her lips moving as if calling his name, but her voice was drowned out by the cacophony around them.

Suddenly, a dark shadow loomed over her, and she began to fade. Arjun screamed her name, but he couldn't reach her. His heart pounded, an unbearable sense of loss gripping him as the dream dissolved into nothingness.

Arjun woke with a start, gasping for air. His chest heaved as he tried to steady his racing heart. He turned to Aaradhya, who was sleeping peacefully beside him, her face serene. Without thinking, he reached out and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as if afraid she might disappear.

Aaradhya woke, startled by his sudden embrace. "Arjun?" she murmured, her voice laced with concern.

"I... I had a dream," he said, his voice shaky. "A terrible one. It felt so real, Aaradhya. I saw you, but I couldn't reach you. It was as if something was pulling you away from me."

She stroked his back soothingly, her touch grounding him. "It was just a dream," she said gently, though his distress unsettled her. "I am here, Arjun. I'm not going anywhere."

He buried his face in her hair, inhaling her familiar scent. "Promise me," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

She pulled back slightly to meet his gaze, her hands cupping his face. "I promise," she said firmly, her love shining in her eyes.

Arjun sighed, the tension in his body easing as he held her close. Aaradhya continued to comfort him until he fell asleep again, his breathing slow and even.

As Aaradhya watched him sleep, her mind drifted back to Krishna's warnings. She couldn't shake the feeling that the dream was more than just a figment of Arjun's imagination. But she pushed the thought aside, choosing to focus on the joy they shared now.

The secret of her pregnancy remained her solace, a light she clung to amid the shadows of uncertainty.

Deep in the night, as the couple slept entwined, a gentle breeze swept through the room, carrying with it the faintest whisper of destiny—an unseen force preparing to test the strength of their bond.