The royal astrologer, Charithran was a human who excelled in multiple fields. He also excelled in the art of swordfight. He was the sole master who taught Chandruhasa the art of swordfight. He was also the royal doctor in Abhati. He had a great pride in Chandruhasa and Chaya as they were his best students so far. He greater them with a grim face. This morning he had read into the star alignment of Chaya's unborn child. It lead to a prophecy that shocked him to the inner core of his soul. He was on a journey when the good news was announced. So his disciple was appointed to predict the unborn child's future and star alignment. But what Charithran had seen that morning can be predicted only by an expert. "We've missed you master . The ceremony was fulfilling". Charithran grew anxious he spoke with caution," Chandruhasa I have brought with me certain news that might shock you and Chaya". Chandruhasa and Chaya exchange looks and look at Charithran expectantly. "I have read into the child's prophecy and I shall recite it now".
The Prophecy:
"When the child turns 19 he/she shall undergo trials and tribulations of life .
The future of Abhati will rely solely on the child's decision. Either abandonment or leadership".
Chandruhasa's face turns distressed. The very Kingdom he loved and respected from the depth of his heart is going to rely on his child's decision. It was out of his hands. Chaya though anxious believed that her child will definitely grow up to be a boon to both Abhati and Acala."Do not worry master for we shall raise the child with goodwill and bravery" ,Chaya spoke beaming with confidence. Chandruhasa believed that Chaya had the power to do anything in the world. Charithran was doubtful,"The star alignment also shows that the child shall excel in the art of swordfight, archery, Wisdom and Bravery. I shall train the child with all my Knowledge. A child led to the right path shall cause no harm". Chandruhasa smiled with relief," There is no better person on earth to train our child master". Charithran and Chandruhasa practiced swordfighting while an amused Chaya sat in the audience. If only she could fight right now, Chandruhasa would be on the ground. Chandruhasa knew that too ,he smiled at her while tackling Charithran's attacks . Chandruhasa pampered Chaya more these days than usual. He would have a meal plan , physical activity and entertainment planned for her each day. In the evening after his royal duties he insisted on feeding Chaya all kinds of nourishing food. He massaged her body daily and would become distressed whenever she felt pain during the pregnancy. Even though he had a body covered with muscles with a strong build ,he went soft when he thought of Chaya. His masculinity was nothing before his love for her. Only the gods in the sky knew about how much he grieved over the fact that Chaya had to experience great deal of pain during childbirth. He prayed that she must never experience pain. Chaya on the other hand was smitten with her husband and her child . She began to notice her child reacting from her tummy to certain events.
She was advised to abstain from swordfight. So she would regularly visit the practice area to witness swordfights. One such evening during a heated swordfight she felt a kick in her stomach. It was the first time the child had reacted . Chaya was overjoyed. After that incident each swordfight was accompanied with a kick in her stomach. She also maintained a cordial relationship with her maids. One such maid was Subhadra . She was a beautiful,serene woman. She was also concieved at the same time as Chaya. When Chaya heard that Subhadra was pregnant she was happy that she had a friend who was in a similar phase. Subhadra approached Chaya for the first time since she became pregnant. Chaya felt a kick in her stomach once Subhadra came close . Whenever Subhadra and Chaya sat for chatting,Chaya felt a kick in her stomach. It was strange in the beginning,but Chaya got used to it. Whenever Chaya thought about Subhadra she had a strange feeling as to who her husband might be. Even though they shared everything with each other Subhadra never mentioned about her husband. But Chaya maintained her respect for Subhadra and never tried to mention it. Subhadra was a maid but also a famous artist and novelist. Her works were famous not only in Abhati
but all over the neighbouring empires and dynasties. People would come from neighbouring dynasties to collect her work and spread it. Chaya could not imagine as to who might be this intellectual woman's partner. Who might be that worthy?. Chaya also felt a kick when she had a few food items . She noted it in her mind.
With Charithran and Chandruhasa by her side nine months had passed away happily. By the end of the ninth month two events occurred. Firstly she was shocked to hear that Subhadra had left her job as a royal maid permanently without a word. She had written a letter and disappeared. Not having her friend around was a little upsetting for Chaya. Chaya was also looking forward to pampering Subhadra's child. But her thoughts were in vain. Chaya always thought of Subhadra more as a close friend than a maid. Secondly,as Chaya was taking a morning stroll in the garden...she felt a pain in her stomach.....
To be continued