The Heir and the Humble

Truth & Future plans

Devraj's expression shifted, a shadow of sadness crossing his face. "Anika, I might not have the chance to pamper him as I wish," he said softly, his voice heavy with unspoken worries.

Confused, Anika looked at him, her brow furrowing. "What are you saying?" she asked, concern creeping into her tone.

He settled onto the bed, pulling Anika gently onto his lap, one hand resting on her back and the other caressing her stomach. "Please listen to me carefully," he urged, his gaze steady yet filled with emotion. "Do not panic or worry, and most importantly, you have to choose wisely with your decisions and take your time after hearing me."

After a moment of contemplation, Anika nodded, trusting him completely. Once he had her confirmation, Devraj took a deep breath, preparing to share his thoughts in a way that would convey the gravity of the situation.

"The curse was broken, but only as long as I keep the sacrifices intact," he began, his voice steady. "The purity of our family begins with our son, and our daughter will be the symbol of that. They are free from the shadows that once plagued our family, and I see a bright future for them, free from everything that we kings have borne until now. No one is at peace, Anika. We might seem rich and commanding, but from now on, I am also free from every bad omen, untimely death, and curse."

Anika listened intently, her heart racing as she absorbed his words. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I have to make one last sacrifice to keep myself away from our boy when he is born until he turns 25 years old," he explained, his eyes filled with a mix of determination and sorrow.

Hearing this, Anika felt a shock ripple through her. "What? Dev, no! You can't—"

"Don't worry," he interrupted gently, cupping her face with his hand and it took him a lot of courage to say this without broken. "Listen to me carefully. Everything is going to be alright. You have to take care of yourself for the sake of our son and for me. I still have six months to spend with him, and then I will have the rest of my life with him. It's just a matter of 25 years."

Anika's heart ached at the thought of being apart from Devraj, but she could see the resolve in his eyes. "You're willing to do this for us?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"For our family," he affirmed, his gaze unwavering. "This is the only way to ensure that our children grow up free from the burdens we've carried. I need you to be strong, Anika. We will get through this together if you are willing too."

Tears welled in Anika's eyes as she realized the weight of his sacrifice. "I don't want you to suffer, Dev. I can't bear the thought of you being away from us. I will not go anywhere leaving you. Even if you ask me in my sleep, my answer is same. I will not choose anyone over you."

He pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her tightly. "You won't be alone. I'll always be with you in spirit, guiding you and our children. Just promise me you'll take care of yourself and our little ones. They will need you more than i need you."

Anika nodded as No, her heart swelling with love and admiration for the man before her. "I need you more than anyone else. we will figure this out right? I promise, I will be strong for you and for our children. You always find solutions for every problem right. Then find for this one also. "

Devraj smiled, a glimmer of hope shining in his eyes. "I will. But atlast you have to decide and i will accept whatever you decide. We still have six months to figure this out. Let's not waste this to pamper our boy."

As the night deepened, Devraj lay beside Anika, his hand resting gently on her stomach. Memories of their passionate moments together replayed in his mind, each one a reminder of the love they shared. But with that love came a heavy weight of uncertainty. Had he made a mistake by bringing her into this complicated situation? Or was it simply destiny guiding their paths? The questions swirled in his mind, preventing him from finding solace in sleep.