The hall trembled with cries and prayers, the very air choking under the shadow's darkness. Vihaan's blood dripped steadily, one drop falling onto Gauri's hairline as he hovered helplessly in the air, the glowing arrows still piercing his back. Gauri's trembling fingers touched her forehead, her hand coming away red with his blood. Her chest heaved as tears streamed down, and then—slowly—her face hardened. Her grief turned into unshakable determination.
Gauri rose, her steps unsteady yet resolute, and turned toward the temple at the corner of the hall. The family watched in stunned silence as she picked up the conch shell resting before Lord Krishna's idol. Lifting it to her lips, she blew with all her strength.
The divine sound rang through the hall, shattering the oppressive silence. The vibration echoed in every heart, bringing the family to their feet. Even a tear-stricken Veena, still clutching her chest, paused and looked at Gauri with wide, unbelieving eyes. One by one, the Kotharis folded their hands, tears brimming as they witnessed Gauri's faith blazing amidst despair.
Her hand shook as she reached for the vermillion, but she smeared it across her forehead without hesitation, streaking her face in red as though claiming her strength. Then she seized the matchbox.
"Jai Shri Krishna…" her voice rang, trembling but powerful, as she struck the match and touched it to the wick.
The sacred flame leapt to life.
No one noticed the shimmer on Gauri's arm—where a faint, watery mark began to take shape, curling like the feather of a phoenix, glowing softly as though etched by divine hands. Gauri herself remained unaware, her focus locked on the lamp.
She lifted the sacred flame high, her eyes burning with defiance as she turned to face the shadow. Gasps rose from the family—the impossible had happened. The lamp burned brightly in her hands, unwavering, even in the suffocating darkness that had snuffed out Veena's desperate attempts moments before.
Veena's lips quivered. "This… this can't be…"
Yet it was. Gauri marched forward, each step bold and unyielding, until she stood directly between Vihaan and the shadow. Raising the flame higher, her voice broke the silence.
"By the Lord's grace, your darkness will not touch my family."
The sacred flame blazed suddenly, its light intensifying, but only the shadow saw it. Behind Gauri, a vision shimmered into being—Lord Krishna himself, his divine form radiating serenity and power, his Sudarshan Chakra gleaming in the glow.
The shadow shrieked, her form unraveling into black wisps as the divine presence consumed her. With a final scream, she vanished into nothingness.
The darkness lifted.
Vihaan's body dropped, his eyes fluttering as Yug and Raani rushed forward. "Bhaiya!" they cried, catching him before he hit the ground. With trembling hands, they pulled the glowing arrows from his back, their sobs echoing through the hall.
The family surrounded him, their hearts pounding with fear and relief. But their eyes couldn't help returning to Gauri—still holding the sacred flame aloft, her expression fierce, her forehead stained in vermillion, the faint mark of the water-phoenix glowing on her arm like a hidden blessing.
For the first time, the Kotharis realized—this woman was far more than she appeared.
But even as relief spread, a sudden thud stole their attention.
Gauri's knees buckled. The sacred flame slipped from her trembling hands, its light flickering before settling safely at Lord Krishna's idol. Her body swayed once, twice—and then she fainted, collapsing onto the marble floor.
"Gauri bhabhi!" Yug's voice cracked as he rushed toward her. He dropped beside her, cradling her head gently, panic flashing in his eyes.
Urvashi hurried to his side, her saree rustling as she knelt down. "Careful, Yug… she's unconscious!" she whispered, her hands shaking as she checked Gauri's pulse with trembling fingers. Relief flickered across her face. "She's breathing… thank the Lord, she's breathing."
The family stood frozen between Vihaan's wounds and Gauri's collapse. Dadi's hands trembled as she clasped them together, her lips murmuring silent prayers. Veena's tear-filled eyes darted between her son and her daughter-in-law, shaken to her core.
The hall that once echoed with divine chants now carried only sobs and desperate prayers, the night of Janmashtami forever scarred with blood, shadows… and the faint glow of destiny etched on Gauri's arm.