The Heir and the Humble

Painful weight

As Devraj returned to his room, he found Anita trying her best to cheer up Anika, but her efforts seemed to be in vain. Anika sat on the edge of the bed, her expression distant and lost in thought. Anita, sensing the heaviness in the air, sighed and gave it one last try. "Come on, Anika! You can't let this get you down. You're going to be a mom! That's amazing!"

But Anika merely offered a weak smile, her heart weighed down by the uncertainty of their situation. Just then, Devraj entered the room, and Anita's face lit up with a smile as she stood up to greet him. "Dev!" she exclaimed, her voice brightening the atmosphere momentarily.

Devraj, however, was in a contemplative mood. He walked over to Anita and gently placed his hand on her head, patting her affectionately. "Thanks for trying, Anita," he said softly, and she nodded, understanding the gravity of the moment.

With a quiet farewell, Anita left the room, sensing that Devraj and Anika needed this time alone. Devraj dragged himself to the bed and lay down behind Anika, pulling her into his arms. They lay there in silence, the weight of their unspoken thoughts hanging heavily between them.

After a while, Devraj began to run his fingers through Anika's soft hair, the soothing motion a small comfort amidst the turmoil. "I think it's time to tell our family," he finally said, breaking the silence.

Anika turned her head slightly to look at him, her eyes filled with sadness. "What do we say? Maa will be so disappointed," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Devraj leaned in and kissed her cheek gently. "Yuvi said that he would love to take good care of our boy if we give him that privilege," he reassured her.

Anika looked at him blankly, her mind racing. She knew how good Yuvi was with kids; she had seen him with Anya, how loving and attentive he could be. But the thought of asking him to take on such a responsibility felt overwhelming. "Isn't it a lot to ask him?" she questioned, her brow furrowing with concern.

Devraj nodded, understanding her hesitation. "Yes, but I don't trust anyone with what is mine except Yuvi. Besides, it's not safe for our boy to be in the same place with me. It's best if he could grow up with Yuvi in Bangalore, and you can visit him whenever you want. If you want, you can stay with him there, and you can come back whenever you miss me."

Anika's heart sank at the thought. If Devraj wouldn't see their child, then she wouldn't either. But she kept her thoughts to herself, simply nodding in agreement. "We should go downstairs and announce the news," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

Devraj nodded, and together they made their way downstairs, the weight of their decision heavy on their shoulders. When they announced the news, Rani Devi's reaction was immediate and furious. Her face flushed with anger, but deep down, she felt a pang of sorrow for the fate she had given her son. Without saying a word, she turned and left, leaving a tense silence in her wake.

Devraj placed a comforting hand on Anika's shoulder, guiding her back to their room. They had breakfast in silence, the atmosphere thick with unspoken words and shared worries. Afterward, he lay her down, when she drifted off to sleep, he left her feeling the loss of the joy they should have felt as they prepared to become parents.

As the days passed, Anika was now just ten days away from her due date, and the anticipation was palpable. She lay on the bed, sulking slightly, leaning back against the headrest, Devraj entered the room and couldn't help but find her adorable. She was glowing more each day, a testament to the life growing inside her. 

Anika was close to her due date, with only ten days left, and the excitement mixed with anxiety was evident. As she sulked on the bed, leaning back against the headrest, Devraj entered the room and couldn't help but find her adorable. She was glowing more each day, a testament to the life growing inside her the love they shared. Devraj walked over to her, adjusting the pillows behind her back to ensure she was comfortable. He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips, his hand resting on her nine-month baby bump.

"Is he troubling you?" he asked huskily, concern lacing his voice.

Anika sighed dramatically, a playful smile breaking through her sulk. "Yes, he is very naughty! He swims in my stomach whenever he hears your voice and won't even respond to me when I talk to him."

Devraj felt a twinge of disappointment at her words but quickly masked it with a tender smile. He caressed her womb softly,In his thoughts, "Only ten more days, my boy. Don't get too habituated to me; I'm not good for you." 

Anika chuckled, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Maybe he just knows how much you love him already."

Devraj smiled softly at Anika, his heart swelling with love and admiration. "Maybe it's because he loves to hear your voice that he stays silent to hear you," he said, trying to lighten the mood. Anika laughed, her eyes sparkling with happy tears.

"Do you really think so?" she asked, her voice filled with hope.

"Absolutely," he replied, his gaze never leaving hers. "You have this incredible way of making everything feel right."

He shifted slightly, ensuring she was comfortable, and then asked, "Did you have your dinner and take your medicines?"

Anika nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I did. Did you?"

"Yes, Mom served me," he said. He looked into her eyes, filled with so many emotions—love, concern, and a touch of longing. "You look so beautiful, Anika."

Her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink, and she pulled him closer, feeling the warmth of his body against hers. Devraj wrapped his arms around her carefully, kissing her neck and inhaling her sweet scent.

"Devraj garu!" she gasped, half-laughing, half-surprised by his affection.

He chuckled softly, enjoying the moment. "I can't help it. You just smell so good."

As he looked down at her feet, he noticed the slight swelling had reduced, and he felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Thank God your swelling has gone down," he said, a smile spreading across his face. "You're looking more comfortable."

Anika smiled back, grateful for his concern. "It's all thanks to you for taking such good care of me," she replied, her voice softening.

Devraj moved to the other side of the bed and lay down behind her, pulling her gently into his arms. He kissed her forehead, feeling the warmth radiating from her body.  

That night, Devraj was jolted awake by the sound of Anika's pained breaths. His heart raced as he turned to her, instantly worried. "Anika? What's wrong?" he asked, his voice thick with concern.

Anika's face was contorted in discomfort, and as he looked closer, he noticed the telltale signs—her water had broken. Panic surged through him, but he quickly pushed it aside. "Okay, okay, just breathe," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I'm going to call the doctors."

He grabbed his phone and made a few urgent calls while soothing Anika, who was trying hard not to panic. "Everything will be alright, Ani. Just hang on for me," he reassured her, brushing her hair back from her forehead.

Anika nodded, her breaths coming in quick bursts as she focused on calming herself. "I'm trying, Dev. I just... I didn't expect it to happen so soon."

Within minutes, two doctors and three nurses rushed into the room, their expressions serious but focused. Dr. Mehta, the lead doctor, quickly assessed the situation. "Anika, we need to get you ready for labor," he said, his voice calm and authoritative.

Devraj felt a wave of helplessness wash over him. He wanted to be there for her, but he knew it was time for him to step back. With wet eyes, he tried hard to be brave. He leaned down and kissed Anika's womb gently, whispering, "I'm sorry, baby. Please forgive your father; he loves you so much. We will meet soon."

He turned to Anika, his heart breaking at the thought of leaving her side. "I'm so sorry I have to go," he said, his voice thick with emotion. He leaned in to kiss her softly, but as he did, she reached out and held his hand tightly.

"Don't go, Dev," she pleaded, her eyes filled with fear and love.

But he knew he had to. With a heavy heart, he withdrew his hand from her grasp, feeling the warmth of her touch slip away. Forcing a brave smile even as tears threatened to spill from his eyes. 

As he stepped out of the room, he could hear the sounds of the medical team preparing for the labor. He leaned against the wall, his heart racing, praying for Anika and their baby. He left that place.

In that moment, he realized the painful decision her took that.