Basement
The ice around Nishi crackled violently, spreading across her body until it consumed her completely. With a deafening crack, her frozen form shattered into countless fragments that scattered across the basement floor like shards of glass—leaving behind nothing but silence.
Vihaan's breath caught in his throat. He looked down at the unconscious Gauri in his arms, her face pale yet peaceful, unaware of the chaos she had just endured.
"Bhaiya, let's take her upstairs," Yug urged, his own face pale with shock.
Without another word, Vihaan scooped Gauri into his arms and carried her out of the basement, Yug following close behind, still stealing nervous glances at the shattered remains of the witch.
---
Kothari Mansion – Vihaan's Room
Vihaan laid Gauri gently on the bed, his expression torn between worry and determination. Yug lingered at the door, hesitant but trusting his brother.
Vihaan glanced at Gauri, then at the bracelet on his wrist. His jaw clenched.
I can't risk her remembering. Not my truth. Not Nishi.
He slipped the bracelet off, the ancient runes glowing faintly as he held it over Gauri's forehead. His fingers trembled for a moment—then he pressed the enchanted charm against her skin.
A soft light pulsed. Memories flickered inside her mind—Vihaan's demonic revelation… Nishi's hypnotic control… the terrifying battle. One by one, they dissolved into nothingness, erased from her consciousness.
"Forgive me, Gauri," Vihaan whispered, his voice breaking. "This is the only way to keep you safe… and to keep my truth hidden."
Yug, watching silently, didn't fully understand what Vihaan had done, but the look in his brother's eyes told him not to ask.
-Next Morning-
Kothari Mansion – Vihaan's Room
Vihaan pushed the door open quietly, only to freeze at the sight before him. Gauri stood in the center of the room, her eyes red from unshed tears, her luggage packed and ready at her feet.
His chest tightened. "Gauri… where are you going?"
She didn't look at him at first. Her voice was calm, but laced with pain.
"I'm going to the place where I belong. My home. A place where I'm not constantly misunderstood, not constantly insulted."
Her words cut deeper than any blade. Vihaan stepped closer. "What do you mean?"
Finally, she turned, her eyes locking on his. "You told me I was selfish. You said I only came back for money." Her lips trembled as she spoke. "I can't bear those insults anymore, Vihaan. Not from you."
For a moment, silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating.
Vihaan straightened, his voice firm though his eyes betrayed a flicker of desperation.
"Janmashtami is tonight. Make sure to be home by then… because I know you will come back eventually."
Gauri's jaw tightened, her voice sharp with finality.
"If this is your dream, Vihaan… then wake up from it. Because I won't be coming back here."
She grabbed her luggage and stormed out.
---
Kothari Mansion – Corridor
Her steps echoed through the corridor as she pulled the suitcase behind her, her breath ragged. Just as she reached the threshold, her phone buzzed.
"Hello?"
The voice on the other end made her blood run cold. It was Gayatri.
Her face blanched as she listened, then suddenly—her hand flew to her mouth in shock.
"What!!"
Without another word, she dropped the handle of her luggage and bolted out of the house, running as if her life depended on it.
---
Corridor – Moments Later
Vihaan came down the hallway just as Gauri vanished through the gates. His eyes fell on the abandoned suitcase, standing alone like a silent witness.
He smirked faintly, though his heart was far from calm.
"Look at that… the same woman who swore she wouldn't come back… left her luggage behind."
He touched the handle of the suitcase, his eyes narrowing with a strange mix of relief and certainty.
"No matter what you say, Gauri… this house will pull you back."
Deepest, Darkest Forest
A suffocating silence hung in the air as the trees swayed restlessly, their branches twisting like skeletal arms. Suddenly, the ground cracked open, glowing with an ominous red hue. A swirling gateway of fire and shadows erupted in the center of the forest.
From within, a female shadowy figure emerged—her outline fluid, her presence commanding. Her voice was low, venomous, yet strangely alluring.
"Vihaan…" she whispered, her tone dripping with both longing and menace.
"I am coming."
The gateway sealed shut behind her, leaving only the echo of her promise carried by the cold forest wind.
Pratham Vansh (Clan of the First Generation)
Far away, in the mystical clan of the Pratham Vansh, an ancient aura stirred. Inside a humble yet powerful-looking cottage draped with ancient runes, the air suddenly crackled with energy.
The Pratham Vanshi, a woman whose ageless beauty radiated wisdom and authority, snapped her eyes open. Her pupils gleamed with silver light, reflecting knowledge beyond lifetimes.
Her lips parted, her voice calm yet edged with forewarning:
"She… is coming."
The flickering flames of the oil lamps around her trembled violently, as though the very universe itself feared the return of the dark force she sensed.
⚡ To be continued… ⚡