The palace of Hastinapur was in absolute chaos.

Servants rushed through the halls carrying fresh water and herbs, midwives whispered among themselves, and outside the royal chambers, a group of fully grown warriors were behaving like terrified children.

Yudhishthir stood frozen, his normally calm face betraying absolute panic as Vaidehi's screams echoed through the halls.

Bheem, standing beside him, paled. "Jyesth... that sounded painful."

Duryodhan, pacing aggressively, snapped. "Of course, it's painful, you idiot! She's giving birth!"

Karna, who had been watching the scene unfold, sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Perhaps we should wait somewhere else? Give the women space to do their work?"

Yudhishthir turned to him, horrified. "Leave? How can I leave when my wife is suffering?"

Arjun, leaning against a pillar, snorted. "And what exactly are you going to do, Jyesth? Deliver the baby yourself?"

Before Yudhishthir could retort, another loud scream rang out.

Yudhishthir clutched his chest. "Madhav, save me! What if something happens to her?!"

Nakul, ever the healer, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "The royal Vaidyas and midwives are with her, Jyesth. She will be fine."

"Fine?!" Yudhishthir looked near collapse. "She is screaming in pain, Nakul! Do you know how much pain that must be?!"

Bheem, looking increasingly uncomfortable, gritted his teeth. "Vaidehi is strong, Jyesth. She will handle it."

Duryodhan, still pacing, muttered. "Why does childbirth take so long?"

Karna gave him a dry look. "Would you like to push a child out of your body, Mitra?"

Duryodhan paled. "Absolutely not."

Another scream.

Yudhishthir looked ready to faint.

Arjun shook his head. "Madhav must be enjoying this."

Krishna appeared, grinning. "What an interesting sight—Kuru warriors, terrified of a woman giving birth."

Yudhishthir turned to him desperately. "Madhav! Do something!"

Krishna chuckled. "What can I do, Jyesth? Do you want me to give birth for her?"

Yudhishthir opened his mouth, then closed it. "That is not what I meant."

Krishna patted his shoulder. "Relax, Vaidehi will be fine. Trust me."

Yudhishthir exhaled shakily, trying to calm his racing heart. But before he could reply, a soft cry echoed from within the chambers.

The entire corridor fell silent.

Everyone turned toward the door, holding their breaths.

And then, the doors opened.

A midwife stepped out, her expression warm and joyous. "Rajkumar, Rajkumari Vaidehi has given birth to a healthy son."

Yudhishthir staggered back. His knees buckled, and he had to grip Arjun's arm for support.

Bheem, in pure relief, let out a loud laugh. "A SON!"

Duryodhan sighed in visible relief. "Finally!"

Karna smiled softly. "Thank the gods."

Yudhishthir, still frozen in shock, suddenly turned and hugged Sahdev.

Sahdev blinked. "Jyesth, I am happy too, but you're crushing me."

But Yudhishthir had already released him and rushed inside.

---

Vaidehi lay on the grand bed, exhaustion clear on her face, but her smile was radiant as she held a small, swaddled bundle in her arms.

Yudhishthir paused at the doorway, his breath catching at the sight.

She looked up at him, her eyes soft with emotion. "Arya... meet our son."

Slowly, he stepped forward, kneeling beside the bed. His heart pounded as he gazed at the tiny face peeking out from the soft cloth.

The child stirred slightly, his little fingers curling into a fist.

Yudhishthir's throat tightened. "He is... so small."

Vaidehi laughed softly. "Yes, Arya. He won't be a warrior immediately."

Yudhishthir, still mesmerized, reached out hesitantly, as if afraid he would break something so delicate. When his fingers brushed the baby's tiny hand, the child latched onto his thumb.

Something inside him shifted.

A deep warmth flooded his chest, and suddenly, all the fear, all the panic—everything disappeared.

His son. His child.

His family.

Vaidehi watched him, smiling as she whispered. "Hold him, Arya."

Yudhishthir carefully lifted the baby into his arms, cradling him against his chest. The tiny weight in his arms felt like the greatest treasure he had ever held.

He swallowed hard, pressing a reverent kiss to his son's forehead. "I swear to you, my child, I will protect you with everything I have."

Vaidehi smiled softly.

---

A few days later, the royal family gathered for the Naamkaran Sanskar.

Krishna stood at the center, holding the baby in his arms. The entire court watched in anticipation as he smiled down at the child.

"I name this child Vedang," Krishna announced.

The hall erupted into cheers.

Yudhishthir, sitting beside Vaidehi, looked at him curiously. "Madhav, why Vedang?"

Krishna grinned. "Because he will be a warrior, just like his father. A leader who will uphold dharma, just like his mother."

Vaidehi tilted her head. "Madhav, you seem very pleased today."

Krishna chuckled, placing the baby back in her arms. "How could I not be? You have done something I could never do, Vaidehi."

Vaidehi frowned. "And what is that?"

Krishna leaned forward, smirking. "You changed something I could not, in thousands of universes."

Vaidehi narrowed her eyes. "Krishna, what are you talking about?"

Krishna simply laughed, flicking her forehead lightly. "You are special, my Mahamaya."

Vaidehi pouted. "You always say such strange things!"

Yudhishthir chuckled. "You should know by now not to question him, Vaidi."

Krishna winked. "Exactly."

Vaidehi rolled her eyes, but she was smiling.

As the ceremony continued, the palace filled with laughter and celebration.

Yudhishthir wrapped an arm around Vaidehi, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. "Are you happy, Vaidi?"

She leaned into him, gazing at their son. "Happier than I ever imagined."

Yudhishthir smiled. "Then nothing else matters."

The sounds of joy, of family, and of love surrounded them.

And as Yudhishthir held his wife and son close, he knew—this was only the beginning of a new, beautiful chapter.