Kothari Mansion – Roka Ceremony Hall
The roka rituals concluded with laughter and blessings. Sweet trays passed around, and the fragrance of incense lingered in the air. Babita, Bharat's mother, dabbed her hands on her saree and rose to her feet, her sharp eyes narrowing on the veiled figure sitting quietly at the side.
"Well… now that the ceremony is complete," Babita said, her tone casual but laced with authority, "shouldn't we all finally see the face of the new bahu of the Kotharis?"
The entire family froze. Veena's fingers stiffened on her saree's edge, while Urvashi exchanged a frantic glance with Vihaan and Yug.
"Woh… Babitaji…" Veena began hesitantly, forcing a smile. "Actually, Gauri is a little shy. It's her first ceremony, she feels nervous before elders—"
Babita cut her off sharply. "Arey, what is there to be shy of? You think I will cast an evil eye on your bahu?"
Her words struck like thunder. The guests fell into uneasy silence, while Bharat glanced between his mother and the veiled figure with growing curiosity.
"Nahi, Babita ji," Urvashi said quickly, bowing her head, her voice trembling. "It's not like that, we—"
"Then remove the veil," Babita snapped, her bangles clinking as she folded her arms. "I will not leave this mansion without seeing my samdhan's new daughter-in-law properly. We came to bless her, not to stare at a curtain over her face."
Everyone tensed—Veena's eyes darted to Vihaan, silently pleading for a miracle, while Yug clenched his jaw, muttering under his breath. The so-called "Gauri" shifted uneasily under the veil, her hands trembling in her lap.
Babita took a step closer, suspicion flashing in her eyes. "Or is there something you're hiding from us?"
The air grew heavy, the family's façade hanging by a thread, as every second brought them closer to being exposed…
Babita's sharp fingers reached forward and, in one swift motion, she pulled away the veil. The Kothari family gasped in unison, their hearts pounding as they squeezed their eyes shut, bracing for the worst.
For a long moment, silence filled the hall.
Then slowly, Babita's expression softened into surprise—not anger. Her eyes lingered on the unveiled woman standing before her.
Vihaan's heart raced. He stepped forward quickly, folding his hands. "Babita aunty… please, I beg you, don't call off the wedding because of this. Whatever the matter—"
But his words froze in his throat. His eyes widened, and so did everyone else's.
It wasn't the maid beneath the veil.
It wasn't a trick.
It was Gauri herself.
She bent down gracefully, touching Babita's feet. "Please give me your blessings, Ma ji."
Babita's stern face broke into a smile as she placed her hand on Gauri's head. "Always remain blessed, daughter… you are truly beautiful. The Kotharis have chosen wisely."
The family blinked in disbelief—relief crashing over them like a wave. Veena's hands trembled with unspoken emotion, while Urvashi pressed her palms together in silent gratitude. Yug let out a long sigh of relief, muttering under his breath, "We're saved…"
Rising from Babita's feet, Gauri looked directly at her with folded hands and recited softly:
"Your beauty shines like the moon,
Your heart is as pure as the sacred river,
Any home that receives a mother like you,
Will forever be filled with peace and joy."
The poetic praise touched everyone in the room. Babita's eyes softened further, a glimmer of admiration sparking as she cupped Gauri's cheek. "Well said, daughter. I've seen many pretty faces, but sweetness in words and respect in the heart—that is rare. The Kothari family is truly fortunate to have you."
The entire family exchanged looks of sheer relief, smiles finally breaking through their tension. Vihaan's eyes glowed with pride as he watched Gauri—overjoyed that not only had she returned, but she had also won Babita over completely.
For the first time in days, joy returned to the Kothari mansion.
Outside Kothari Mansion – Broad Daylight
Across the road, the bright afternoon sun shone mercilessly, its rays bouncing off the grand gates of the Kothari mansion. Yet, despite the light, a strange unease began to ripple through the air.
Two daayans descended from the branches of a tall peepal tree, their long braids swaying like serpents, their reversed feet scraping the ground as they landed. Daylight did little to soften their terrifying presence—the shadows seemed to bend unnaturally around them as they began striding toward the mansion.
Their voices hissed with determination.
"Our sister calls for us…" one muttered.
"No matter who stands in the way, we will rescue her," the other finished.
Inside the basement, Nishi's eyes shot open, her lips curling into a wicked smile. A low growl rumbled from her throat as her nails scraped against the stone floor. She could feel them—her sisters, her allies—drawing closer with every step.
"The chains of this family won't hold me much longer," Nishi whispered, her voice thick with anticipation.
The bright daylight outside felt heavy, unnatural, as if warning the Kotharis that danger was already crossing the road toward their doorstep.