The morning sun had barely begun to warm the marble floors of Vardhana's palace, yet the air was already alive with excitement. Word had spread quickly: the royal family would soon welcome another heir. But for King Raghavendra, this was more than news—it was a continuation of a legacy, a growing bond that centered around his firstborn, Prince Vivaan.
In the soft golden light of the royal chamber, Queen Ishara moaned softly, the labor pains sharpening with each breath. Vivaan, now a lively one-year-old, sat in the arms of his father, clapping his tiny hands and giggling at the flutter of the drapes in the morning breeze.
"Be calm, little one," King Raghavendra murmured, adjusting Vivaan in his lap. "Today, you will meet your younger brother." Vivaan's eyes sparkled with curiosity, as if he already understood the importance of this moment.
The room filled with the quiet chants of High Priest Mahadev and the meticulous guidance of the palace midwives. Hours passed, and at last, the cries of a newborn boy echoed through the chamber. The King's eyes glistened with tears as he held his new son, now the second prince of Vardhana. Vivaan leaned forward instinctively, pressing a tiny kiss to his brother's forehead, his bright eyes shining with acceptance and gentle affection.
"This… this is extraordinary," King Raghavendra whispered, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "Vivaan, you are already a protector."
Queen Ishara, exhausted yet radiant, watched her firstborn interact with Vivaan, feeling both love and pride. She whispered blessings over her new son, then gently placed him beside his elder brother. The King quickly ordered preparations for a naming ceremony, and soon the palace was alive with vibrant colors, golden tapestries, and the scent of fresh flowers.
The next day brought twice the joy, as Queen Kavya, heavy with the imminent birth of twins, went into labor. The palace seemed to hold its breath as attendants moved quickly to her chambers. Vivaan, in his father's arms once more, peered curiously over the blanket draped around Kavya, watching the gentle chaos of the birthing room.
Minutes later, two small cries filled the air. Twins! The palace erupted in whispered amazement. Vivaan, ever calm, leaned forward, placing a soft kiss on each forehead, and clapped his hands with delight. Even at his tender age, he understood that these little brothers were now under his gentle care, his first gesture of protection as their elder sibling.
King Raghavendra's heart swelled as he gazed upon his four heirs: the calm, radiant Vivaan, Ishara's new prince, and Kavya's twin boys. The moment felt almost surreal. He rose to the balcony and announced to the kingdom:
"People of Vardhana! Today, your eyes witness a historic blessing. Our royal family now has four heirs. Pray for their health, happiness, and guidance, for these young princes are the future of our kingdom!"
The streets of Vardhana erupted in joy. Lanterns were strung across every boulevard, music and drums echoed through the marketplace, and citizens poured gifts and blessings into the palace gates. The kingdom had never seen such a celebration, and whispers spread: "The royal family is blessed like never before. Four heirs, one destined for greatness above all!"
Back in the palace, the naming ceremonies were held with grandeur. High Priest Mahadev and Royal Astrologer Vedan performed the sacred rituals, describing the destined bond each new child shared with Vivaan.
"These princes," Mahadev declared, "are born under the blessings of the heavens. They shall grow to serve, protect, and honor Prince Vivaan, the firstborn, the apple of their father's eye. Their hearts are tied to his, now and forever."
Vivaan, oblivious to the grand pronouncement yet instinctively protective, reached for each new sibling. He crawled carefully among the blankets and tiny hands, cooing softly, placing gentle kisses on their foreheads. Even in his infancy, his love and instinct to protect were clear.
King Raghavendra watched silently, pride radiating from every feature of his face. To him, Vivaan's actions confirmed what he had always known: his eldest son was extraordinary, yet pure, innocent, and full of love. And for now, that was enough.
The day faded into evening with the palace bathed in golden light. The four princes lay peacefully in their cradles, the Queens resting nearby, exhausted yet glowing with happiness. Vivaan nestled close to his father, gazing at the tiny new heirs with a serene smile, already assuming the role of guardian and elder brother.
For Vardhana, this was more than a celebration of births. It was a festival of love, family, and the promise of a future filled with unity and devotion. And in the heart of it all, Prince Vivaan—calm, radiant, and gentle—remained the shining center, the apple of the king's eye, destined for greatness.