Heads up, my dear readers!

Warning: Steamy Scenes Ahead! Nothing too extreme

This chapter contains mature themes that would make even Bramhadev blush. So, if you're younger than 15, let's pretend you're Bheeshma and can just skip forward  For the adults in the room—grab your fan, maybe a cold drink and enjoy only if you are in the mood.

Or else chodo waise bhi main kahan tumhare phone se kud ke aayungi, karo jo karna hai.

Krishna walked with a calm, yet assertive pace, his arms securely cradling Devashree. 

Each step was measured and confident, resonating with a silent promise that was understood between them without words.

As they ventured deeper into the secluded corridor of the palace, a palpable sense of anticipation enveloped the air around them. 

Krishna's intense and unwavering gaze locked onto Devashree's eyes, which shimmered with a mix of trepidation and expectation.

He halted under the flickering glow of torchlight, which danced softly across his features, sculpting his face with light and shadow that emphasized the serious intent in his expression.

"I intend to be very persuasive," he murmured, his voice a blend of restraint and underlying desire.

The corridor's seclusion seemed to encourage him to let go of the careful control he typically showcased. 

With a swift, purposeful motion, Krishna gently set Devashree on her feet, only to push her back against the cool, hard surface of a stone pillar.

The chill of the stone contrasted sharply with the heat from Krishna's body as he pressed close, eliminating any space between them. His hands gently framed her face, his touch kindling a fire within her as he leaned in to meet her lips in a passionate, claiming kiss, like a storm unleashed with the ferocity of pent-up emotions.

Driven by a raw surge of desire, Devashree's body arched towards him as Krishna's mouth moved over hers with relentless intent. 

It was so intense that it left her breathless, her cheeks flushed a vivid shade of red from the fervor of their embrace. The world seemed to shrink to just the space they occupied, with the rough texture of the pillar against her back and Krishna's commanding presence enveloping her. 

The sounds of the palace faded into insignificance, replaced by the pounding of her own heart and the deep, almost reverent groans that Krishna emitted as their kiss deepened.

Overwhelmed by the intensity, Devashree, finally managed to break the kiss, stepping away slightly to catch her breath. Her eyes were wide, and her lips parted as she attempted to steady her racing heart.  

Krishna watched her with a smoldering look, his eyes dark with desire, yet smirking at her reaction. 

Feeling his intense gaze and unable to meet it directly, she shyly tried to step away from the stone pillar, trying to gather her composure.

As Devashree attempted to distance herself, collecting her breath and composure, Krishna's gaze followed her every movement, magnetic and intense. His eyes, dark and burning with desire, captured her, tethering her to the spot despite her attempt to retreat.

He wasn't ready to let the moment end just yet.

His hand swiftly reached out, his fingers catching the edge of her veil, and with a tender pull, the fabric slipped from her hair, falling down in a fluid motion in a soft whisper of silk.

He stepped closer, the warmth of his breath caressing her ear, his voice dropping to a husky whisper that threaded through the cool air and sent a quiver of anticipation down her spine. "Running away so soon, Priye" he murmured, his tone teasing yet thick with unspoken desire. 

"I thought you wanted to witness how persuasive I can be. I was just getting started or was that persuasive enough for you?" His lips barely brushed against her earlobe, the half-smile in his voice painting a picture of playful arrogance.

Devashree's heart pounded, her thoughts swirling like leaves in a storm. Not yet, she silently countered, her body alight with an exhilarating mix of defiance and desire. 

"I may require a little more evi—" Her words caught in her throat as she felt his fingers skillfully explore the knot at the back of her blouse. 

Her voice trembled as she struggled to form coherent words, and her breath hitched further as she felt his fingers glide across her exposed back, tracing invisible patterns against her skin. The gentle caress sent waves of warmth flooding through her, pooling deep in her abdomen, igniting a fire that threatened to overwhelm her senses.

Krishna leaned in closer, his breath a warm caress on her neck as he whispered, and his voice a seductive murmur that seemed to vibrate through her very core. "I will give all the evidence you require, darling." His voice was a low, husky murmur, which sent a wave of heat coursing through her veins.

As his fingers deftly found the knot of her blouse again, an involuntary moan escaped her lips. Her cheeks flushed even deeper as she bit down on her bottom lip, trying to stifle the sound, but the sensation was too overwhelming to contain.

Krishna's smirk widened into a knowing grin as he loosened the knot, the fabric of her blouse yielding under his gentle yet assertive touch. He seemed to unravel another layer of her defenses with each movement, exposing the raw vulnerability beneath.

His lips trailed from the nape of her neck, descending with deliberate slowness over her now-exposed back. 

Each kiss he planted was fervent, leaving a trail of heat that seemed to burn and soothe all at once. 

Her breath grew ragged, each exhale mingling with a soft moan as Krishna's lips moved with purpose and passion over her skin. The intensity of his affections sent tremors through her body, each one a wave that pushed her further into a sea of sensation she'd never navigated before. His touch was deliberate, knowing exactly how to elicit a response from her with every kiss and caress.

The stone pillar, cold and hard against her back, became the only thing she could rely on to keep her upright as her knees weakened under the onslaught of pleasure.

As his lips ventured further, tracing the graceful curve of her shoulder, a moan of pure pleasure escaped her lips, unbidden but deeply felt. 

Her hands gripped the stone pillar for support, her knuckles turning white as she arched slightly into his touch, inviting more of his exploration. Her head tilted back, offering him more space to explore, a silent plea for him to continue, to take her further into this dance of passion and discovery, to end the torture.

A soft chuckle vibrated against her skin, adding another layer of sensation to their intimate dance. 

Sensing her growing responsiveness, Krishna whispered huskily into her ear, his voice low and seductive, perfectly attuned to the charged atmosphere between them. "Let go, Priye," he murmured, each word a caress as much as his touch. "Feel everything. I want to hear all the sounds you make."

His words acted as a catalyst, heightening Devashree's sensations, her body tingling with a mixture of anticipation and release. His lips brushed against the delicate shell of her ear, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine.

Then, gently but with intention, Krishna caught her earlobe between his teeth, giving a soft, playful bite drawing a sharp gasp from Devashree, her body jolting slightly in surprise and pleasure. The mix of pain and pleasure, so exquisitely delivered, was intoxicating, pushing her sensory experiences to new heights. 

She felt his hands trace paths all over her body, mapping each contour with a possessiveness, sending jolts that turned her muscles into liquid. She felt her legs buckle, and the world tilted dangerously. 

But before she could succumb to gravity, Krishna's arms were there, strong and secure. He scooped her up with ease, her body cradled against his chest as if she weighed nothing. 

Head resting against his shoulder, her breaths came in quick, shallow bursts, her mind adrift on the waves of intense pleasure.

Her senses were ablaze, her body awash in a cascade of sensations that Krishna so masterfully evoked. She found herself caught in a delicious daze, her thoughts fragmented by waves of intense pleasure. Her breaths, quick and shallow, were the only rhythm in the swirling chaos of her heightened emotions.

The world around them seemed to blur into irrelevance, leaving only the sharp, vivid clarity of his presence. In this dazed state, a surge of affection and desire welled up within her, compelling her to act.

With a gentle, almost subconscious movement, Devashree's hand reached up, her fingers finding the soft locks of Krishna's hair. She tangled her fingers delicately in his hair, desperate to be even closer to him,a plea, a silent call for him to bridge the scant distance that still separated them.

Krishna responded to her unspoken demand, his face drawing nearer until she could feel the warmth of his breath mingling with her own. Their lips met, continuing the dance of passion they had begun, but now with a softer, more profound connection.

Devashree surrendered to the kiss, allowing it to consume her with its sweet intensity. The world outside their embrace melted away, leaving only the shared heat between them. 

Krishna's hands, strong and sure, supported her effortlessly, one arm beneath her knees and the other cradling her back, making her feel cherished and fiercely protected as he led her to their private quarters.

The door to the chamber appeared before them, and Krishna maneuvered to open it without once letting go of Devashree or breaking their kiss. The door swung open quietly, and they entered a room washed in the soft glow of candlelight. 

He gently laid her down on the bed, his body never far from hers, ensuring that the chain of physical contact remained unbroken. Her half-lidded and glazed eyes, focused solely on Krishna, everything else just became a blur.

A soft whine of disappointment escaped Devashree's lips as Krishna's mouth briefly left hers, a tender protest against the loss of his intoxicating warmth. But her fleeting discontent was swiftly quenched as he began to trail of kisses from her jaw down the sensitive length of her neck. Devashree's back arched slightly, a soft moan escaping her lips as she welcomed his exploration.

With each breath, their bodies pressed closer together, aching for the culmination of their passion.

Krishna's hands, with practiced ease, began to trace delicate patterns along the contours of Devashree's body, his touch igniting a trail of fire along her skin. With a soft, whispered plea, she tugged at the fabric of his clothing, urging him closer, urging the barrier between them to disappear.

Feeling her urgency, Krishna reciprocated, his movements deliberate as he began to divest them of the constraints of their garments. 

Fabrics were undone with nimble fingers,  slipping from heated skin, revealing the raw beauty beneath. Each layer giving away to their mutual longing, a surrender to the magnetic pull drawing them closer together.

With each passing moment, the room seemed to pulse with their shared anticipation, the air heavy with the heady scent of their passion. Their movements became synchronized, a dance of desire guided by an unspoken understanding of each other's needs and wants.

Finally, as their bodies intertwined in a fervent embrace, they succumbed to the irresistible pull of their longing.

In this sacred space, their bodies intertwined with the fluid grace of rivers merging into a single, powerful current. The rhythm of their breaths became a shared cadence, a heartbeat throbbing beneath the surface of their skin, pulsating with the light of a thousand burning stars.

Two hearts beat as one,  Narayan and Lakshmi, in earthly guise, Unveil their love, ancient and wise.

Skin to skin, their breaths entwine, in timeless love, forevermore.

Such is the dance of the eternal flame, where Krishna and Devashree whisper each other's name.

For they are not two, but a single light, that burns through the day, and deep into the night. 

In each incarnation, through joy and through strife, they find one another, in each walk of life.

So let the skies bear witness, let the winds tell, Of a love that conquered, a love that fell, Only to rise from ashes and pain, Again and again, in love's sweet refrain.

By the time dawn hinted at the horizon, Krishna and Devashree lay entwined, the aftermath of their passion a gentle glow on their skin. 

Covered lightly by the soft linens, they drifted into sleep, their breaths synchronized, hearts united in a bond that was as deep as it was tender—a union not just of bodies but of souls, sealed in the quiet sanctity of their shared embrace.

*****

In the predawn quiet, Devashree's eyes fluttered open adjusting to the dim light that hinted at the approach of dawn, a soft grayness filtering through the curtains and painting the room in hushed tones. 

 The soft lpetals that enveloped her felt cool against her skin, a soothing contrast to the warmth beside her. 

Turning her head, she caught Krishna's gaze already on her—a deep, affectionate stare that seemed to have been watching over her as she slept.

The intensity and tenderness of his look caught her off guard, and a warm blush spread across her cheeks causing her to smile shyly, the earlier passion of the night transforming into a tender and loving serenity. She reached out, her hand finding Krishna's, their fingers intertwining naturally.

His arms wrapped around her, holding her in a secure yet tender embrace that spoke volumes of his desire to keep her close.

"I caught you staring," Krishna whispered, his voice low and teasing right beside her ear. 

"And you've been watching me sleep. Who's the real culprit here?" Her eyes sparkled with humor, reflecting the early morning light and the depth of her affection.

Krishna laughed softly, the sound rich and comforting in the quiet of the room. "Guilty as charged," he conceded, his eyes alight with happiness. "But how could I not, when the sight before me is more captivating than any dream?" 

He then leaned in closer, his nose gently nudging hers that was both sweet and silly, eliciting giggles from Devashree

Nestled close, Krishna watched Devashree with a blend of affection and amusement. 

Her hair, usually so neatly styled, now cascaded in a wild, beautiful tangle across her face and smiled softly, charmed by the disarray, a stark contrast to her usual poise.

Leaning in, he gathered the unruly locks in his hands with a gentle touch, his fingers gliding through her hair as if weaving silk. With deliberate tenderness,he swept her hair back, revealing her face fully to his gaze. His fingers lingered at her temples, brushing back every last strand, tucking them behind her ears with the care of an artist completing a masterpiece.

"You must be a bit sore," he remarked softly, his voice laced with concern, yet his eyes held a teasing glint.

Blushing slightly, Devashree nodded, admitting with a small, shy smile, "A little."

Seizing the opportunity to care for her, Krishna leaned over the side of the bed and retrieved a jar of healing cream from the bedside table. "Let me help you with this," he offered, unscrewing the cap and warming a dab of the cream between his fingers.

Devashree's blush deepened, and she put her hand up in a playful stop. "I think I can manage, thank you," she said, her voice a mix of embarrassment and laughter.

 "Oh, really? You weren't quite so shy last night, were you?" His tone was light, teasing, effectively highlighting the contrast between her current modesty and her uninhibited passion from the night before.

Before Devashree could protest further, Krishna gently took her hand away, his actions tender but firm. 

Applying a small amount of the cream, he started to softly massage it into the areas he knew might feel tender. His touch was careful, soothing, yet carried a hint of the intimacy that had marked their relationship.

Devashree couldn't help but relax under his care. 

"Better?" Krishna asked after a moment, looking into her eyes with a genuine concern that softened the playful banter that had preceded the gesture.

"Yes, much better. Thank you," Devashree replied, her voice warm with appreciation.

It was now that she truly saw the setting surrounding her.

 A soft gasp escaped her lips as she took in the scene for the first time.

They were nestled on an expansive bed adorned with soft, vibrant lotus petals, their delicate fragrance subtly perfuming the air. The bed itself was set on a low platform, floating gently in the middle of a  pool. 

The water around them shimmered with the reflection of countless candles that flickered warmly, casting dancing lights that played across their faces and highlighted the gentle ripples in the water. 

 "Krishna, this is... it's incredible. How did you—?" She trailed off, lost for words, the realization of the effort and thought he had put into creating such a beautiful surprise, touching her deeply.

Krishna chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement and delight at her reaction. "It seems you were so lost in our love that you didn't even notice where I brought you," he teased, his voice light but filled with affection showing the depth of his feelings, evident in the tender way he looked at her, as if she were the most precious thing in the world.

Devashree blushed, her smile radiant. "I suppose I did," she admitted, her gaze softening. "Or maybe it's just that being with you, I could be anywhere and it would still feel as if I'm in the most beautiful place in the world." 

 "Well, I'm glad you're here now, seeing it all," he said softly. "Because every part of this—every candle, every petal—was chosen to celebrate you and the love that I have for you."

Devashree's eyes became misted, and she punched him down by his shoulders on the bed. Her actions became more bold and assertive, as she playfully yet passionately marked Krishna with small, tender love bites trailing from his collarbone up along his jaw, each gentle nip accompanied by a soft kiss as if soothing the very marks she created.

As Devashree continued her playful assault, Krishna couldn't help but be swept away by the intensity of her love. 

His breath caught in his throat, his senses overwhelmed by the rush of emotions coursing through him. He surrendered to the sensation, his body tingling with pleasure and excitement as he reveled in her playful display of affection.

When Devashree finally relented, her lips leaving a scattering of love bites in their wake, Krishna remained dazed. 

Devashree couldn't contain her laughter at the sight of Krishna's dazed expression, her giggles filling the air with joy and lightness. 

She reached out to gently stroke his cheek, her touch tender and loving as she basked in the warmth of their shared moment.

Krishna shook his head slightly as if trying to clear his thoughts, before finally meeting Devashree's gaze with a look of pure adoration

"Looks like someone couldn't handle all the love," she teased, her voice laced with tenderness and a hint of triumph.

Krishna chuckled warmly wrapping his arms around her, pulling her close once again, his voice husky with emotion and amusement. He nestled his face in the crook of her neck, his breath warm against her skin, making her shiver slightly with a mixture of anticipation and contentment.

"As overwhelming as it might be," Krishna whispered, his lips brushing against her ear, sending tingles down her spine, "your love is what keeps my world turning. It's what I wake up seeking and go to bed thinking about. But the real question that arises here is how did you find my persuading last night? Did I manage to convince you?" His eyebrow quirked slightly, a teasing smile playing on his lips. 

Devashree's face warmed under his gaze, her earlier blush deepening. She smiled, her eyes gleaming with affection and a hint of mischief. "Well," she paused, her voice teasingly slow, "I might say you were quite... compelling." She emphasized the word, mirroring his own from the previous night. "But I might require a few more demonstrations to fully make up my mind," she added playfully, challenging him while also expressing her deep delight in their connection.

Krishna's laughter rumbled in his chest, a sound of pure joy that vibrated against her as she lay close to him. "Is that so?" he responded, his voice rich with amusement. "Then let me demonstrate right now," he whispered, his voice low and enticing, a playful yet promising tone threading through his words.

But before he could enact his playful persuasion, Devashree gently placed her hands on his chest and pushed with a laugh. 

Caught off-guard, Krishna stumbled backward, his arms wheeling in the air for balance, a look of surprise flashing across his face.

With a splash that echoed around them, Krishna landed in the pool, water enveloping him in a cool embrace. 

He surfaced quickly, wiping the water from his face, his expression one of mock indignation that soon melted into amusement at Devashree's laughter ringing clear and joyful.

Standing at the edge of the bed, Devashree clutched her stomach, laughing heartily. "It was time for your bath, my love!" she called out teasingly, her eyes twinkling with delight. Her voice carried a playful tone, echoing the light-heartedness of their interaction.

"Very clever, Shree," he acknowledged with a laugh, watching as she continued to giggle at the edge of the pool. But the amusement in his voice was a clear prelude to his playful revenge. With a sudden swift movement, Krishna splashed water towards her, causing ripples of laughter to echo around the poolside.

Devashree squealed, her hands raised defensively, but the splashes were just a diversion. In a quick, fluid motion, Krishna reached out, grasping her hand with gentle firmness. With a playful yank, he pulled her towards him. Her eyes widened in mock alarm as she realized his intention a moment too late to escape.

With a delightful shriek, Devashree tumbled into the pool, splashing into the cool water beside Krishna. They both burst into laughter, their joyous sounds mingling with the splashes of their impromptu bath. The water was refreshing, washing over them, as Krishna wrapped his arms around Devashree, stabilizing them both in the buoyant embrace of the water.

"Guess we're both in for a bath now," Krishna teased, his voice bubbling with laughter as he spun her around in the water.

The pool became a world of their own making, filled with splashes, shared smiles, and tender glances. They playfully chased each other, sometimes swimming, sometimes merely floating, enjoying the coolness of the water and the warmth between them. 

Krishna had departed over a week ago to confront Kalyavan, a menace troubling neighboring kingdoms, after their kings had sought his intervention.

In his absence, the palace was far from quiet as Balram had arrived, accompanied by Revati and their newborn son, infusing the palace with a fresh burst of life and joy.

The kitchens had become a vibrant hub of activity, where Devaki Mata, Rohini Mata, Devashree, and Revati, cradling her newborn, were gathered.

Devashree moved with a practiced grace, overseeing the preparations while ensuring that everything was in perfect order. She occasionally cast a concerned glance towards Revati, who, despite recently giving birth, was actively participating, cradling her newborn close to her chest.

"Revati jiji, you really should be resting," Devashree chided gently, her tone a mixture of concern and mild reproach as she handed a bowl of spices to one of the kitchen attendants. "You've hardly had a moment's peace since the little prince arrived."

Revati smiled wryly as she stirred a pot of simmering sauce. "Devashree, I appreciate your concern, but honestly, I've been resting for months! I was starting to go stir crazy in those chambers," she replied, her voice full of good-natured exasperation. "Being here, involved in something, it helps me feel normal again."

"But still," Devashree insisted, taking a moment to adjust the light shawl around Revati's shoulders, "you shouldn't exert yourself too much. It's important to recover fully. You know Swami would say the same if he were here."

Revati laughed softly, the sound mingling with the clatter of utensils. "Oh, I know, I know. But a little activity is good for the spirit. And besides, being around all of you, sharing in these simple joys—it's refreshing." She glanced down at her son, who was quietly observing the world around him with wide, curious eyes. "And I think he enjoys the bustle."

As if on cue, the newborn let out a soft coo, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. Devashree's expression softened as she gazed at the tiny bundle in Revati's arms, marveling at the sight of new life and the promise it held.

"He's absolutely adorable," Devashree remarked, her voice filled with genuine affection. "You must be so proud, Revati."

Revati beamed with maternal pride, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Oh, I am, Devashree. More than I can put into words. He's brought so much happiness into our lives already," she replied, her voice tinged with emotion.

A sudden shift occurred when the newborn's soft coos transformed into urgent cries. The clatter of utensils paused and the bustling energy briefly halted as all eyes turned towards the small, distressed voice. 

Seeing Revati's worry, Devaki Mata offered a reassuring smile, "Sometimes, they just need a change of arms," she suggested with the wisdom of experience.

"May I?" Devashree asked softly, reaching out with her arms. Revati nodded, her eyes grateful as she gently passed her baby to Devashree. 

As soon as the baby was nestled securely in Devashree's arms, his cries began to subside. The kitchen watchers held their breaths, watching the scene unfold with gentle smiles.

Holding the infant close, she began to rock him gently, humming a soft lullaby, her voice barely above a whisper, yet carrying a melody so soothing it seemed to weave a spell of tranquility over the newborn. 

The baby's cries turned to whimpers and then ceased altogether, his little face scrunching momentarily before settling into a peaceful expression. His tiny fingers curled around one of Devashree's, holding on with the instinctive trust of infancy.

"Look at you, brave little prince," Devashree whispered affectionately, her voice a featherlight caress against the baby's delicate ears. As she spoke, her finger gently stroked the baby's cheek, marveling at the softness of his skin.

In response, the baby blinked up at her, his big, curious eyes taking in her loving face. A small gurgle escaped his lips, a sound of contentment that melted the hearts of everyone in the room. It seemed he was trying to communicate in his own way, his tiny mouth curling into a semblance of a smile that brought a spark of delight to Devashree's eyes.

Encouraged by his response, Devashree continued her gentle cooing and talking, each word dipped in warmth. "Are you listening to my stories?" she playfully teased, watching as the baby's eyelids fluttered in response as if he understood her every word. "One day, you'll tell me about your adventures, won't you?"

The baby waved his little arms, as though reaching for her voice, captivated by the sound. Devashree gently caught one of his flailing hands, pressing a soft kiss to his tiny palm, which caused him to wiggle in delight. The simple interaction, so full of innocent communication, deepened the tender scene.

She leaned down, her face just inches from his, and blew a soft puff of air against his cheek. The unexpected sensation startled him just slightly, and then, as if realizing it was a game, his small face broke into a bright, open-mouthed giggle.

Delighted by his response, Devashree repeated the action, this time with a little puff on his tiny tummy, exposed slightly as his cloth that had ridden up. The baby's laughter bubbled up again, louder this time, a joyful, infectious sound that echoed lightly in the kitchen. His tiny feet kicked excitedly, and his hands waved in the air.

"Who's my cheerful boy?" Devashree cooed, tapping gently on the baby's nose, which elicited yet another round of giggles from the infant. Each laugh was a musical note to the ears of everyone present, bringing smiles and soft chuckles from the women who continued their tasks around them.

Seeing the pure joy in the baby's reaction, Devashree continued her gentle play, now tickling him ever so lightly under his chin. 

"He seems to know you're family, Devashree. You've charmed him completely," Revati said, her voice a mixture of amusement and appreciation.

Devashree looked up, her smile broad and genuine. "He's charmed me just the same," she replied, her gaze returning to the little boy who now seemed on the verge of sleep, lulled by her voice and the secure warmth of her embrace.

Devaki took a small spoonful of the kheer and walked over to Devashree, who was still gently rocking the now-sleeping baby in her arms.

"Here, try this," Devaki offered with a warm smile, holding out the spoon towards Devashree. "See if it needs anything more."

Eager to taste the creamy dessert, Devashree carefully took the spoon, ensuring not to disturb the infant cradled against her. She brought the spoon to her lips and tasted the kheer, her face momentarily lighting up with the familiar, comforting flavor. 

However, almost instantly, her expression changed. A sudden wave of nausea overtook her, and she quickly handed the baby back to Revati.

"I'm sorry, I..." Devashree stammered, rushing towards the nearest basin. The women's voices hushed as they watched her, concern etching their faces. Devashree vomited, her body shaking slightly from the sudden sickness.

Revati, now holding her baby once more, approached Devashree with worry. "Are you alright? What happened?" she asked, her tone filled with concern.

Devashree rinsed her mouth and tried to steady herself, her hands clutching the edge of the basin. "I don't know, it just came over me suddenly. The kheer is perfect, it's not that... I just felt overwhelmed all of a sudden," she explained, trying to smile reassuringly but still pale.

Devaki stepped forward, her experienced eyes studying Devashree closely. "It's not like you to react this way to food. Have you been feeling unwell lately? Maybe it's something else," she suggested gently, hinting at deeper concerns that might need attention.

Devashree paused, considering her recent health. "Actually, I've been feeling a bit off for a few days now, but I thought it was just fatigue or the stress of Krishna being away.

Revati tilted her head, understanding slowly dawning. "Devashree, could it be possible? Are you... could you be pregnant?" She asked gently, a smile spreading across her face.

The room fell silent for a moment as everyone turned to look at Devashree, who now covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes wide as she considered the possibility.

"I... I hadn't thought of that. But, now that you mention it, I've been feeling a bit off lately," Devashree replied, her voice filled with a mixture of surprise and excitement. She looked at the other women, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

Rohini, Devaki, and Revati moved closer, as their faces alighted with joy. They encircled her, a spontaneous group hug enveloping Devashree in a warm, comforting embrace.

Rohini squeezed her gently, her voice bubbling with excitement, "Oh, Devashree, this is such wonderful news! A little miracle!"

Just think, soon we'll have another little one crawling around. It's a blessing, truly!" Devaki, still beaming, added.

"But we haven't confirmed anything yet, mata. Let's not get ahead of ourselves."

"Arre Maharani," an old dasi who was observing began, her voice low but clear "Ye toh saaf-saaf baat hai! Jab aapke manpasand cheezan se bhi ji churave, toh samjho kuch na kuch toh locha hai. Hamre gaav ma toh aise hi hota." 

(Oh, my queen, it's quite obvious! When you start disliking your favorite things, then surely there is something unusual happening.)

Without pausing she continued again."Aur dekho Maharani, hamri bahu bhi jab pehli baar aisi halat mein thi, to uske manpasand achar se bhi uska man utar gaya tha. Pehle toh hari mirch ka achar din bhar mein teen baar khaati thi, fir achanak usko dekh kar ji michlane laga!" 

(And look, my queen, when my daughter-in-law was in her first condition, even her favorite pickle became distasteful to her. Earlier, she used to eat green chili pickle three times a day, then suddenly she started feeling nauseous just by looking at it!)

As the old dasi's words hung in the air, the women around Devashree exchanged knowing glances, their excitement barely contained. 

Revati, catching Devashree's eye, gave her a supportive squeeze of the hand. "It might just be true, Devashree. You should definitely see the vaidya to be sure."

"Yes, we should not delay," Rohini chimed in, her voice full of concern and maternal care. "Whether it's true or just a false alarm, it's better to know. We'll make sure you're well taken care of, no matter what."

_______________________________________________________________________________

As the vaidya's footsteps receded down the corridor, the gentle click of the closing door echoed like a soft finale to the profound revelation he had left behind. Devashree sat motionless, her hands resting delicately in her lap, the weight of centuries seeming to anchor them. 

Tears of joy, potent and pure, streamed down her cheeks.

"I have waited, my baby, through cycles of birth and rebirth, through yugas and eras. And now, you return to me," she whispered to herself, her voice a soft murmur filling her chamber's still air.

"Itna bhi koi pratiksha karwata hai kya? Kya ye uchit hai?" she murmured softly, her hand caressing her abdomen.

 "Do you know how happy your father will be to hear of your coming?" Her hands, instinctively protective and loving, rested on her belly as she envisioned Krishna's reaction, his face lighting up with the news of the new life they were about to welcome.

As Devashree's emotions continued to swirl within her, her private reverie was gently interrupted by the soft rustling of silk. 

A dasi, her bearing respectful and her face alight with news, entered the chamber. She approached Devashree with graceful steps, her head bowed slightly in deference.

"Devi," the dasi began, her voice a gentle chime in the tranquil room,

"Dwarikadhish has arrived at the palace gates."

***************

A/N

So Krishna is here, but so is someone else......Can you guess who?

Can you guess who will have a cameo next? Drop your guesses in the comments, and brace yourselves .

Here's a hint: Seeing him will bring a smile to your face.

 The first person to correctly guess our mystery guest will receive a special award from Krishna himself in the story. 

I'm eagerly waiting to see your guesses and looking forward to revealing the surprise. Let's make this fun—start speculating!