The Child of Unnatural Time
Devansh sat on a wooden bench placed upon the white marble floors of the Third Main Corridor of the palace. The bench stood near a closed door from which Yodhika’s cries echoed loudly.
Inside the chamber, Yodhika lay on a vast bed while two doctors attended to her. One moved an ultrasound device gently across her abdomen, studying the screen with growing concern. The other monitored her pulse. Nurses stood around them, tense and silent, awaiting instructions.
Outside, Devansh remained unnaturally calm. He sat motionless, eyes closed, as if detached from the chaos beyond the door.
After a while, he rose slowly and walked toward a tall window overlooking the open lawn. Rain splattered violently against the glass, testing its strength. The thick yet light panes—crafted by Chaithra—muted the frenzied sound of the storm outside.
Is this a sign? Devansh wondered, gazing into the rain.
Yodhika’s cries gradually subsided.
A few minutes later, the doctors stepped out of the chamber. Devansh turned toward them as they approached.
“What happened to her?” he asked.
The doctors hesitated, exchanging uneasy glances.
Devansh’s voice sharpened. “What happened?”
“We… we do not know yet, sir. But—” the head doctor began slowly, removing one of the gloves from his hand.
“But what? Did something happen to the child?” Devansh demanded.
“No, no. The child is fine,” the second doctor replied quickly. “But… that child…”
Devansh turned fully toward them, his eyes widening. “Do not test my patience.”
“Devansh,” the head doctor said carefully, “the foetus appears to be growing at an accelerated rate.”
“What?” Devansh’s voice dropped. “How is that possible?”
“We are uncertain. We need more time to understand it.”
“Will the delivery occur earlier than expected?”
Both doctors looked down.
The head doctor finally answered, “It appears so.”
“Will she be healthy afterwards?”
“Yes, it seems the pain is caused by her body adapting to this change. It will only happen once or twice more It will be a natural birth. If there are no other complications, both of them will be healthy.”
Devansh exhaled and turned back toward the window. A faint smile touched his lips.
“It seems,” he said softly, “the universe does not wish to delay my plans.”
The doctors stared at him, stunned by his reaction.
“Devansh,” the head doctor ventured, “are you not concerned about this completely unnatural pregnancy?”
“Concerned?” Devansh replied calmly. “Why would I be? The child will be a Pranvar—its mother is a Pranvar. The earlier the delivery, the better. We cannot afford delays. At this rate, how long before the birth?”
“Six… six months,” the second doctor answered hesitantly.
“Six months.” Devansh nodded. “Good. Observe her closely. Ensure there are no complications. Find the cause of this accelerated growth and report to me immediately. Is she conscious?”
“Yes, sir. Her pain subsided a short while ago. She is stable.”
“Good. Let her rest. Keep her here under observation until the delivery. Discover the cause as soon as possible. Understood?”
“Yes, Devansh,” they replied.
“Are you not going to visit her?” the head doctor asked cautiously.
“I only needed to know whether she and the child are alive and stable. I have already wasted enough time here. We are not weak humans governed by tender emotions.”
The doctors’ eyes widened further at his cold detachment.
“Report to me as soon as you determine the cause of this unnatural growth,” Devansh added as he turned to leave. “Perhaps we are witnessing the birth of something new—something that may surpass even us, the Pranvars.”
Without another word, he strode down the corridor and disappeared into the dim light beyond.
“So, you’re saying we have around eight months to prepare?” Ranjan asked curiously.
They sat beneath a broad tree after completing the day’s training. A long, worn-out wooden staff lay beside Ranjan. Opposite him sat Rudhra, a similar staff resting near his feet—its surface even more battered from use.
“Yes,” Rudhra replied. “According to my friend in the palace, at least.”
Ranjan studied him carefully. “Do you truly trust this friend?”
Rudhra smiled faintly. “With my life.”
Ranjan lowered his gaze, thoughtful. “Will we be ready by then?”
Rudhra’s expression hardened, the warmth fading from his face. “We must be.”
Silence lingered between them, heavy yet unspoken.
Ranjan looked up at the dimming sky, then slowly rose to his feet. “See you tomorrow. My family will finish their shopping in half an hour. I need to get back to town before that.”
He took a few steps forward when Rudhra called out behind him.
“Don’t worry, Ranjan. I won’t let them hurt any of you.”
Ranjan stopped and turned back. A gentle smile crossed his face.
“I know.”
He paused for a brief moment before adding, “Whether we survive or not… it was worth it. Getting to know each other. Learning the truth.”
With that, he turned once more and walked toward the distant town, leaving Rudhra beneath the tree and the fading light of the evening sky.
You want me to what?
Sabo’s thoughts echoed sharply in her mind, her face frozen in shock.
A gentle chuckle rippled through her consciousness.
Ensure that Yodhika escapes, the Voice replied calmly.
Are you sure? You wanted Devansh to succeed in his plans, didn’t you? she asked again, disbelief lacing her thoughts.
Yes. The plan will succeed. The Pranvars will take over the world one day. But Master wants Yodhika to part ways with them.
Sabo exhaled slowly, trying to steady herself.
What about Rudhra?
Do whatever you wish with him. He is of no concern to Master.
So… is my mission with the Pranvar clan over?
Not yet, the Voice answered coldly. You must remain with them for some time. Train them for a few more years. After that, I will give you your next order.
Sabo’s jaw tightened.
What order? I told you—I don’t want to be part of this grand plan anymore.
Silence.
Then suddenly, her balance faltered. The chair beneath her felt unstable. A low vibration began to spread through her mind, faint at first—then intensifying.
She gripped the arms of the chair tightly.
Wait… don’t, she pleaded inwardly.
A sharp pain exploded through her skull. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth… then from her ears. Her breathing turned ragged as agony tore through her nerves. The vibration grew into a deafening hum, overwhelming her senses.
Please, she begged.
Gradually, the vibrations began to subside. The pain loosened its grip, though her body still trembled.
The Voice returned, calm and controlled.
Do not question my decisions, sister. I do not enjoy hurting you like this every time.
Okay, I will do it. I will ensure Yodhika escape and carry out your next order. Sabo said in her mind breathing heavily.
Good. The voice replied.
Karun G Nath 
Leave a comment