Vihaan adjusted the collar of his kurta, his expression turning cold as his eyes flicked to Gauri.
"Time doesn't wait for anyone," he said flatly. "If you don't waste time in collecting cash, then don't waste time getting ready either."
Without waiting for her response, he turned and walked out of the room, his footsteps echoing down the corridor.
Gauri stood frozen, the thali trembling slightly in her hands as she watched him leave. A storm of emotions welled up inside her, but she swallowed them down, blinking back the tears that threatened to escape.
Kothari Mansion – Celebration Hall
The hall glittered in festive colors—marigold garlands, shimmering diyas, and Lord Krishna's idol standing divine at the center. Guests settled as the music began, the soft notes of the flute filling the air.
Gauri stepped forward, radiant in a dazzling lehenga, taking the center of the stage. On either side of her stood Raani and Urvashi, ready to join in the chorus. With folded hands, Gauri bowed before the idol, then raised her eyes and began to sing.
Gauri:
"More Bansi Bajaiya…"
Raani & Urvashi (chorus):
"Nandlala Kanhaiya…"
Gauri:
"More Bansi Bajaiya
Nandlala Kanhaiya
Mohe Mohe Aise Nahi Chhedo Saanware
Suno Suno Mose Nahi Khelo Daanw Re
Jaake Yashoda Se Keh Dungi Re
Kaanha Soja Zara O Kaanha Soja Zara"
Her voice, sweet and devotional, filled every corner of the hall. The audience swayed with the rhythm, captivated.
Gauri (dancing gracefully):
"Luk Chhupke Takeyo Na Mohe
Kaanha Soja Zara O Kaanha Soja Zara
Nainon Se Na Chhuna Mohe
Kaanha Soja Zara O Kaanha Soja Zara
Kaanha Soja Zara O Kaanha Soja Zara"
Her anklets jingled in perfect harmony, each step narrating Radha's playful devotion.
Gauri:
"Gopiyon Ke Pichhe
Phire Tu Nishdin Palchhin
Thak Gaye Paanv Tere
Saans Zara Le Le
Rukk Ja Kaanha Tham Ja
Maan Bhi Ja Pagle
Saanware Baanware"
The guests clapped softly to the beat, enchanted.
Raani & Urvashi (chorus):
"More Bansi Bajaiya
Nandlala Kanhaiya"
Gauri (with rising emotion):
"Kal Bhi Hongi Yeh Rang Raliyan
Kal Phir Aana O Re Chhaliya
Dooba Yeh Din Chal So Ja
Kaanha Soja Zara O Kaanha Soja Zara
Kaanha Soja Zara O Kaanha Soja Zara"
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her voice trembling with devotion.
Gauri:
"Suni Jo Teri Murli
Chali Re Chali Re Chal De
Piya More O Julmi
Gaaun Tere Hi Geet Kyun
Le Main Teri Ho Gayi
Chadh Gayi Teri Preet Re"
The music swelled, the hall alive with energy.
Gauri (spinning gracefully):
"Mohna Kya Hua
Yun Mati Maari Gayi Mori Kaise
Chhoda Bail Ke Aage Tujhe Aise
Hai Yeh Saara Dosh Mera
Kaanha Soja Zara O Kaanha Soja Zara
Kaanha Soja Zara O Kaanha Soja Zara"
Raani & Urvashi (chorus):
"More Bansi Bajaiya
Nandlala Kanhaiya"
The finale neared. Gauri's dance became faster, her eyes lifted heavenward. Behind her, Raani and Urvashi echoed the chorus, their voices blending like celestial companions.
Gauri (last stanza, with divine grace):
"Madana Mansudna
Manohara Mannmohna
Madana Mansudna
Manohara Mannmohna
More Bansi Bajaiya
Nandlala Kanhaiya
Radha Ke Piya Kanha
Soja Zara…"
Her final note lingered in the air, her hands folded before Krishna's idol.
For a moment, the hall was silent. Then applause erupted, filling the space like thunder.
Gauri bowed humbly, eyes glistening.
At the edge of the hall, Vihaan stood still, his gaze locked on her. His heart raced against his will, though his expression remained controlled. Yug noticed, smirking.
He leaned closer and whispered, "Bhaiya, you can pretend all you want… but your eyes give you away. No matter how much you both fight, you're still drawn to her."
Vihaan didn't reply. His jaw tightened, his arms crossed firmly, but he couldn't tear his eyes from Gauri—mesmerized, even if he wouldn't admit it.
Road to the Kothari Mansion
The night sky shimmered faintly under the light of the full moon. A small group of women, dressed in colorful sarees and carrying thalis filled with flowers, diyas, and sweets, were walking down the road towards the Kothari mansion, chatting cheerfully about the Janmashtami celebration.
Suddenly, a chilling gust of wind swept past them, snuffing out some of their diyas. The women paused, glancing around nervously.
Woman 1 (whispering): "Did you feel that? The air suddenly turned so cold…"
Before they could continue, a dark flying shadow of a woman streaked across the sky, her form barely visible but her presence unmistakably sinister. The women screamed, huddling together.
Woman 2 (terrified): "B…Bhoot! It's a witch!"
The shadow descended swiftly, hovering above them. Her hair floated wildly, her eyes glowing red as her body radiated a deadly aura. With one swift gesture of her clawed hand, dark tendrils of smoke wrapped around the women.
Their screams echoed through the empty road as the shadow pressed her palms outward. The tendrils tightened, and in seconds their faces turned pale, their energy being sucked out of their very bodies. The women collapsed lifelessly onto the ground, their thalis spilling flowers and sweets into the dust.
The shadow let out a chilling laugh that echoed into the night. Her form blurred back into the darkness, leaving behind nothing but silence and the corpses of the once-joyful devotees.
Meanwhile, the celebration at the Kothari mansion continued in blissful ignorance, unaware of the terror approaching their gates.