The chatter of the birds didn’t stir me, but the warmth of the sun slanting towards me through the window nudged me to consciousness. As the memory of the previous night unfurled, I giggled tipsily as I recalled Surya’s strong arms coiled around me. Languidly, I tried to turn, but couldn’t. Something heavy on my stomach, and I put my hands there.

My stomach had ballooned. Something squirmed inside me and kicked hard.

I screamed.

I was all awake now. My eyes bulged in fearful apprehension. I put my hand on my heavily heaving chest to calm it down. My sweet dream had been the worst nightmare that left aches all over my body as remnants.

My nocturnal visitor had shed his human form and was watching me with a cunning smile through the window. I was angry with myself for having let him manipulate me and do his bidding.

My companions came rushing. They had moved away discreetly when Surya, the sun, came calling.

Somebody brought my Nanny.

I sank my head into Nanny’s bosom and cried. Blabbering incoherently, I told her about my inability to fight Surya, my fright, Surya’s reassurance…everything.

“It’s alright, child,” said Nanny soothingly. “You are a mother now, and you shouldn’t frighten your little one. Tell him you love him. Don’t you want him to be as strong as his father? Look, Surya will think you are a coward, unfit to be the mother of his son.” That brought a smile even my despondent lips.

Nanny gathered herself up and said resolutely, “We have no time to lose.”

In a hushed voice, Nanny gave serial instructions to everyone. Not a word was to leak out to the outside world from anyone in the palace.

Things moved fast after that even in that melee. I delivered a healthy male baby: bright eyes, strong limbs and curly hair. Most importantly, he came with a golden body armour of a warrior, and a pair of golden ear rings. It was incredible.

I clasped him hard and held him close. I marveled at the perfectly crafted little toes and fingers. I twirled his curly lock into my fingers and kissed his tightly shut eyes. “Look at me, my precious!!” I held his tiny feet over my wet cheeks even as my heart broke into a thousand sobs. “Can’t I keep him,” I said weakly, even though I knew no one would approve. “I’d explain it to my father.” I wailed. But even I knew I couldn’t. His exalted opinion of me was my worst deterrent. I couldn’t betray the trust they had in my virtuous upbringing. I’d be bringing shame to my Yadava ancestors as well.