Anamika was fully immersed in the bliss of her first pregnancy which might be her last as well. She was kept away from the changing dynamics of the Palace politics considering her health as well as the baby's.

On the other hand, Saudamini was drowning herself in her loneliness which made her neglect her barely few months old baby. The baby was taken care by the maids in her chamber who are also keeping their distance from her, afraid of her madness. She started hallucinating things and start talking with persons whom she imagined.

Like this a month has passed and Anamika has completed nine months of pregnancy. Her mother and yuvraj are always cautious regarding her. Ranisa couldn't come near her as per Ranasa's orders. Yuvraj is keeping a check on her every now and then, almost more than five times a day.

One such day when yuvraj came to check upon Anamika, She felt a slight pain in the stomach almost like a contraction. Yuvraj got tensed and sat beside her on the bed keeping an arm around her shoulder and caressed her bump as if to relieve her pain. He asked, "Anamika, is it a false alarm for labor like the last time? or shall I call Daima? "

"I think it's false alarm. Now I'm fine. You can go yuvraj", Anamika replied. "No, I feel it's not good. I should stay with you", yuvraj stated as he felt something different today. "You should not take so much worry yuvraj. It's not like you are going to be a father for the first time. I don't know why you are tensed-", She was cutoff by yuvraj saying, "But it is first time for you Anamika. You are the going to bear the pain. I'm worried about you more than the baby. I know it's not easy to bring a baby into the world especially the first time. Yes I was tensed the first time Saudamini went into labor but later on, I felt that she can manage as she has already went through it. And why should we include her in all our talks Anamika? I know you are angry at me--"

This time it was Anamika who cutoff yuvraj and said, "Yuvraj! I'm not angry at you. I was never angry with you. And why would I be angry? " To which he replied while holding her hand and looking into her eyes which didn't let out any emotions other than the pain and fatigue due to pregnancy, "Because I broke your trust and married for the second time. I very well knew how much you hate those persons who cheat on their spouse even if it is in the name of marriage. Still I did the same and didn't even had the courage to ask for your consent myself. I'm Sorry Anamika. I'm really sorry. I don't want your forgiveness right now but I want a hope from you so that I will earn it on my own. Please try this for me". Yuvraj was almost in tears as he asked her.

Anamika replied to him without a waver in her tone, "Yuvraj! First of all, you are not a normal subject of the kingdom to lead a whole life with your wife, even after Daima had said that she couldn't give you a heir due to irregular periods. You are a yuvraj who has the duty towards his kingdom, to keep it safe and to give a heir to secure it's future. Though I was immature at first to get angry on your second marriage, it was inevitable. So please keep this thought out of your mind that I'm angry on you because I'm not. "

When she finished, yuvraj was confused would be an understatement. If she is not angry for this then what could be the reason. He voiced out his thoughts, "Then what is the reason behind your this mask Anamika? Why are you so calm and composed even when others insult you or taunt you? My Anamika was not like this. She had this fire in her eyes which transparently shows what she is feeling. She took no nonsense from anyone and gave back what they give her. Now there is no fire, no sparkle, nothing except the blankness in your eyes. What is the reason if not this?" Yuvraj moved from beside her and sat near her feet in the bed still holding her hands.

"The reason is that I lost my only love. Living a life after losing the love of your life is nothing less than hell on earth. And I'm experiencing that everyday for the past ten years", Anamika replied still holding on her emotions as she didn't want to get lost in her memories. "I don't believe your lies. I know that I'm the only person whom you loved. In fact, the only person whom you will ever love. So please tell me the real reason so that I can make amends", yuvraj pleaded again.

Anamika's emotions are threatening to come out in the form of tears as She remembered her love but still she tried to stay calm. "Yuvraj! Love doesn't happen with looks, body or any other materialistic things. I loved Pratap, still love him and I will continue to love him. But I have lost him. Just because your looks and body is same doesn't mean that your heart is same. It is changed and right now what you possess here is not what I loved or where I belonged. That's why I said that I lost my love", Anamika said pointing his heart and at last some traitor tears escaped her eyes.

Yuvraj saw her love for him at that moment though she said its not him, he knew that she wished he was the same. He knew that she is right. He cannot be the same person with whom she fell in love with as he has another wife with children whom will always be a part of his life. But he wouldn't stop trying. Now that he knows that she is hurt and not angry, he will try with all his heart, at least to bring back the old Anamika if not her love for him.

Anamika was crying unknowingly reminiscing old memories and her pent up frustration and hurt of all these years is coming in the form of tears. Yuvraj wiped her tears and said, "I know that I have hurt you beyond limits, all these years by ignoring you. Whatever excuses I say, it won't change your life that had been spent in loneliness and hurt. And I know that your hurt which I know of, is not even half of that which you actually went through. Just know one thing Anamika, I love you. I have always loved you and will continue to do."

Yuvraj himself couldn't understand why he can't tell the same to Saudamini. Thinking of Saudamini's words, he wondered whether it was the truth? He didn't had time to think about anything more as he was suddenly pulled by his collar. He looked at Anamika who was clutching his collar and looked at him furiously.

Before he could utter a word, Anamika said, "Dare you claim to love me, yuvraj. Your love died the moment you touched another girl. Your love lost its value when you were able to think of another woman in my place. You are my husband, the future king of this kingdom and father of my child. Nothing more and nothing less. Stop your speech about love-"

She was not cut off by anyone. Yuvraj didn't have time to react to her words. Anamika suddenly clutched her stomach as her face changed into one that of immense pain. Yuvraj stood up from his place and called a dasi and instructed to call Daima. He made Anamika lay on the bed and hold her hands while she is writhing in pain.

Soon Daima came to the chamber and said, "Yuvraj! Badi bahuranisa has gone into labor. Please exit the chamber". Yuvraj was even more panicked than Anamika and went near her and said, " Anamika, I know you are brave and will manage on your own. But just know one thing, I will continue to make amends for my sin even if it takes my entire lifetime". Anamika looked at him as tears were continuously flowing from her eyes. She couldn't say whether the tear is because of physical pain or the pain in her heart due to his words. Yuvraj kissed her forehead while a single tear dropped on her forehead and left the chamber. Anamika's mother also came to help her.

Yuvraj was waiting outside her chamber, the whole time she was in labor and after a few hours, the sound of baby's cries were heard. At the same time, far away from the palace, in a dark room were heard the agonising cries of a human due to the continuous tortures.

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Precap : Celebrating the birth of heir (Any suggestions for baby boy names)

I know that Anamika's pregnancy moments were not detailed much. Those moments will be included in the further chapters.

Do vote and comment if you like the chapter.

My vaccination is still pending. Stay home stay safe.

Thanks,

SM.