Gauri struggled to rise, her vision blurring as blood trickled down her forehead. Panic gripped her chest when she saw the shadow beast loomed over her, its massive axe slicing through the air with a deafening whoosh. Her heart pounded in her ears, each beat a frantic plea for survival.
Before the beast could strike again, a blur shot past—Vihaan. He slid across the jagged ground with inhuman agility, his arms wrapping around Gauri and yanking her out of harm's way just as the axe slammed into the stone where she had been moments before.
Without a word, Vihaan carried her through the twisted corridors of the shadow realm, every step careful, every movement deliberate. Finally, he reached a room opposite the temple. He gently set Gauri down, brushing a strand of blood-streaked hair from her face. Silently, he locked the door behind them, ensuring they were safe—for now.
They remained still, breathing together, their eyes locked, the world outside forgotten.
Inside the dimly lit room, Gauri finally let herself collapse into Vihaan's arms, her tears wetting his kurta. Her body shook as the fear and pain of the shadow realm poured out.
Vihaan held her tightly, rocking her gently, his own heart aching at the sight of her vulnerability. "Shh… it's okay," he whispered, his voice soft but steady. "I'm here now. You're safe. I've got you."
Gauri buried her face in his chest, muffling her sobs, and for the first time in hours, allowed herself to feel a flicker of relief. Vihaan's hands moved soothingly over her back, silently promising her protection, while she clung to him, finding strength in his presence.
The world outside, the shadows, and the fear—they all faded, leaving only the warmth of their embrace.
At the Kothari mansion, panic rippled through the halls. Pratham Vanshi's voice cut through the chaos, firm and commanding. "The sacred lamp… protect it at all costs! Its flame cannot die!"
Sharda and Dadi sprang forward, shielding the lamp with every ounce of strength they could muster. The flickering flame wavered under the oppressive darkness, casting long, quivering shadows across the walls.
Veena stumbled down the stairs, her face pale and guilty. "It's… it's my fault," she confessed, her voice trembling. "I… I brought this upon us."
The air thickened, and a chill swept through the room. A dark shimmer appeared before the family—the shadowy figure of Kamini. Her presence sucked the warmth from the room, her laughter icy and cruel. "Did you think I would stay gone?" she hissed. The sacred flame sputtered violently, then died, plunging the room into near darkness.
Pratham Vanshi's eyes blazed. She raised her staff, chanting in a low, resonant tone. The air shimmered, forming a protective circle around the family. Sparks of ethereal light danced along the perimeter, creating a barrier against the encroaching darkness. "Gather together! Stand firm! No force can break this circle if you hold onto each other!"
Dadi gripped Sharda's hand, Veena clutched Urvashi's arm, and the rest of the family huddled tightly, hearts pounding. Outside, the shadow of Kamini shifted, plotting, waiting—but the circle held, a fragile shield of hope against the returning darkness.
In the shadow realm, the air was thick with a cold, suffocating darkness. Vihaan pressed close to Gauri, his eyes scanning the ruined corridors of the Kothari mansion opposite. "I found the portal," he whispered, his voice tense. "It's our way out of this place."
Gauri swallowed hard, glancing nervously at the shadows stretching across the walls. "But that… beast," she stammered, her hands trembling.
Vihaan's jaw tightened. "The shadow beast. It can't see, but it can hear. One wrong sound…" His words hung in the air, heavy with warning.
Gauri drew in a shaky breath. "Then… to escape, we have to… we have to kill it."
Vihaan's eyes flickered with a mix of determination and unease. "Yes. But how? You've seen it—it's massive, fast, relentless."
A glimmer of resolve appeared in Gauri's tear-streaked face. "I have an idea," she said, gripping his arm. "You… distract the beast. Make it chase you. I'll go to the temple."
Vihaan studied her, worry and admiration mingling in his gaze. "The temple? Alone?"
Gauri's grip tightened. "I can do it. The goddess will guide me. You just make sure the beast doesn't notice me until I'm ready."
Vihaan nodded slowly, his heart pounding. "Then we do this… together."
They exchanged a brief, silent glance, a shared resolve passing between them. Vihaan stepped forward, drawing the beast's attention, his movements deliberate and loud, while Gauri melted into the shadows, her footsteps silent as she raced toward the temple, her mind focused on the divine dance that could turn the tide.
The beast's growl echoed through the ruined halls, chasing Vihaan—but Gauri's heart was steady, her faith in the goddess lighting her path even in the deepest darkness.