Chapter 68:Upheaval
It was a beautiful day in Apus Village. The skies were clear, the sunlight mild and comforting, and a soft breeze carried the scent of blossoming flowers through the estate.
In the back garden, Priya sat gently rocking on a wooden swing suspended by thick ropes, her rounded belly nestled under her soft gown, clearly swollen in the final months of pregnancy.
The swing had been handcrafted under Roland’s instructions and was quite sturdy, elegant, and shaded under the wide canopy of a flowering tree.
Beside her, Murphy sat on a cushioned bench, cradling her daughter while keeping a close watch on the little twins toddling nearby. Helios and Helina, now old enough to speak in full sentences, waddled over with wide, curious eyes.
"Elder Mother," Helios chirped, tilting his head adorably, "will it be a younger brother or sister?"
Priya let out a soft laugh, one hand resting on her belly. "We’ll find out after six months."
"Why six months?" Helina blinked, puzzled.
"Because just like flowers or fruit on a tree, little babies take time to grow. The same way the fruit isn’t ready the next day, your sibling needs time too."
The twins made an exaggerated "Ooooh" sound, satisfied for the moment with that simple wisdom.
Murphy, unable to restrain herself, laughed but shut up seeing Priya pleading gaze.
It was hard to satisfy the curiosity of the young ones.
But before more questions could follow, the peaceful mood broke with a sudden, muffled uproar from the front gates. Guards’ voices echoed faintly.