Devsena stood still.Her heart thumped with pain.She could not let herself come to terms with the happenings.With staggering steps and a void in her heart she reached the place where her mate was laid down.

She caressed her pale face.There was a faint smile on her lips.She had never seen a smile there when she was taking breaths.If she would let him know the reason for that bliss she felt after leaving her off guard.Too soon for soul like her to transpire to heaven.

D-"No.No.

Avantiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii."

The loud shrieks and cries reached eevry corner and walls of the palace.The storm entered and devastated everything.Maharani Devsena broke down into loud sobs which did not fail to reach ears of helpers and every nooks of palace.

She had her face down.Her hand held on to Avantika's.Devsena raised her face as cries of new born reached her ears.Her eyes shined with joy but that soon faded away as she recalled the moments.What had they not planned to welcome the baby.

The helper handed over the baby to her.She kissed the baby's head and hugged her keeping her near her chest.

Helper-"Its a girl Maharani.Rajkumari Avantika was too weak and not on good health to endure the pain.Sufferrings made her condition worse and we could not save her.By luck she took her last breathe we took child out."

Realization dawned upon her.She was a Queen and she had her responsibilities.Avantika deserved a farewell with much respect and love.She would let no one raise a finger at her least when she died a death she never wished for.

She cleared the streaks of tears from her face and stood up holding the baby in her arms.

D-"Make arrangements for Rajkumari Avantika's last rights.That should be grand."

H-"Maharani before that we have to inform Raajmata,Maharaj Amarendra."

Devsena raised her brows and her eyes searched the chamber.At such a time though she despised to look for person her eyes were expecting.She was confused with absence of a husband and father.

D-"Bhallal Deva?"

The helpers hung their head down and in response Devsena understood.

D-"Disgusting.Unfathomable."

The early morning started off with news of Rajkumari Avantika's demise spreading like fire.A death was mourned and a soul who never let herself out of palace and her own zone got a teary farewell.Rajmata Shivgami and Amarendra baahubali reached next day as they got news.

Shivgami prayed for the departed soul and locked herself in her chamber.Inside the doors her heart felt an unusual emotion.A guilt probable of consequences what must have led the innocent girl to deteriorate her health.

Avantika's death left a big impact on few things.Shivgami braced herself with guilt and her health kept on getting worse on the process.She talked less and skipped making her presence on courtroom.While Devsena busied herself on taking care of the last memory and gift from her beloved friend.She did not leave any stone unturned to keep promise she had given to Avantika once.

The baby developed a bond with her.Days and nights she spent looking after her.She knew her responsibilities as a Queen.With rajmaata out of sight she had to bear and make for most of things and she did whole heartedly. 

Amarendra walked through the long passage and reached his chamber.A smile spread on his face when he watched his wife losing herself with the baby.The happiness was a child like one on her face.

The helpers soon left giving the couple privacy.He sat on the bed beside his wife.Devsena realised his presence and felt embarassed.

D-"Sorry.I did not realise you were here.When did you come."

He placed a light kiss on her head as well as the little one's.The baby held one of the pearl necklaces he wore on her tiny fist.He took that out immediately and gave it to her.

Devsena thought if she could stop herself falling for this man again and again.Every day he gave her reasons to love him with more intensity and respect him with an immense urge.

A-"Thought about any name for our princess?"

D-"Hm.Avantika."

Amarendra let his eyes speak with hers.He held on to her with his hands on her shoulders and she almost released her weight on him.The baby held her finger with her tiny one and gave a loud chuckle.

D-"She will get everything what her mother couldnt.I will make sure of that.The love and affection she deserved."

He gave a nod to her and she rested her head on his shoulder.

This scene was witnessed by some one and soon it was passed on to the father of the baby whose fate was being planned.

Bhallaldeva gave a cunning smile.He finished the liquor and threw the glass away.Wiping his mouth he prepared himself for the much awaited step.

Bh-"Devsena.You will become mother of my child.Precious and doting motherly affections.You dont know what your going for.If you want it that way then.I am going to emerge as winner soon.Maharani Devsena ha ha ha ha."

He shut his eyes as the alcohol wrecked his senses.The flashes of her beauty and the lust invoking against him.He couldnt stop his hands to have way with her.

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