The shadow beast roared, its axe slicing the air inches from Vihaan. He twisted and dodged, each movement precise, his heart hammering against his ribs as the monstrous figure loomed above him.
Meanwhile, Gauri ran through the ruined temple, tears streaking her face. "Goddess, give me strength… protect Vihaan," she whispered, folding her hands in prayer.
The Trident appeared before her, glowing with divine energy. She picked it up, her fingers tightening around the shaft as courage surged through her.
Back in the corridor, the beast slammed its massive hand into Vihaan, sending him sprawling across the cold floor. Pain shot through him, but determination pushed him upward.
Gauri reached the corridor, her eyes locked on the beast. Vihaan instinctively stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her waist and lifting her. Her feet dangled above the ground, giving her the perfect height to aim. Their eyes met—no words, just trust.
With a steadying breath, Gauri raised the Trident, her voice ringing out, "Jai Devi Maa!" She swung with all her might. The Trident cut through the darkness, striking the shadow beast squarely in the head. The beast let out a deafening roar before collapsing into a lifeless shadow heap.
Vihaan gently set her down, and they clung to each other, chests heaving. No words were needed—their bond, their courage, their relief, spoke everything. The oppressive darkness of the shadow realm lifted, replaced with a calm, almost sacred stillness.
At the Kothari mansion, the air thickened as a chilling laugh echoed through the hall. Kamini's shadowy form emerged, her eyes glinting with malice. She looked at Pratham Vanshi and sneered, "Do you truly believe your frail powers can stop me?"
A dark fog surged from her, curling like living smoke around the protective circle. The circle shimmered and quivered under the pressure, cracks forming along its glowing boundaries.
The family instinctively grasped each other's hands, eyes wide with fear as the fog crept closer. Kamini's laughter rang louder, cruel and mocking.
Without warning, the black mist surged forward like a tidal wave, sweeping over the circle. The family screamed as darkness engulfed them, and one by one, their eyes fluttered shut—they collapsed, unconscious, their bodies limp.
Kamini hovered above them, her form radiating power, the mansion trembling with the force of her presence. "I am unstoppable," she declared, her voice echoing like a death knell through the halls.
The once-protective circle now lay in ruins, sparks fading into nothingness, and the Kothari family lay at her mercy.
---
Vihaan's hands gripped Gauri tightly as he pulled her out of the well, their bodies tumbling together, breaths shaky, tears streaming freely. Their foreheads touched for a fleeting moment, the weight of everything they had endured pressing against them.
Vihaan gently wiped Gauri's tears with the back of his hand. "It's over," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "You're safe now."
Gauri clung to him for a heartbeat longer before they slowly stood up. Gauri's voice trembled but carried urgency. "We… we need to check on everyone. They could still be in danger."
Nodding, Vihaan took her hand, and they dashed toward the mansion.
Vihaan and Gauri stumbled into the mansion, hearts racing, eyes scanning frantically.
"Maa,Bade Maa! Dadi! Yug! Raani! Pratham Vanshi!" Vihaan shouted, voice cracking, panic creeping in. But silence greeted them—every corner of the mansion was empty.
Gauri's hands trembled as she clutched Vihaan's arm. "Where… where is everyone?" she asked, fear lacing her voice.
They burst into Vihaan's room, only to freeze. Everyone—their family, including Sharda and even Pratham Vanshi—stood encased in shimmering glass, frozen mid-motion, eyes wide, expressions locked in shock and confusion.
Gauri's voice faltered. "What… what happened to them?"
Vihaan's hands clenched into fists, anger and helplessness battling in his gaze. "I don't know," he admitted, voice low. "But… we'll get them out. We have to."
Gauri nodded, swallowing her fear. "We won't leave anyone behind."
They stood side by side, tears in their eyes, staring at the frozen figures around them, knowing the real fight was only just beginning.
Vihaan and Gauri gripped each other's hands, eyes locked with fierce determination. Without hesitation, they ran forward together and slammed their joined hands against the glass.
Cracks spider-webbed across the surface, and with a final resounding crash, the glass shattered, freeing the family.
Everyone gasped, blinking in disbelief as consciousness returned. Veena rushed forward, wrapping Vihaan in a tight, tearful embrace, murmuring his name in relief.
Raani and Yug turned toward Gauri, their faces lighting up with joy, and enveloped her in a group hug, laughter and tears mingling as the family was finally reunited.
Vihaan and Gauri exchanged a glance, their hands still entwined, sharing a silent, unspoken bond forged through fear, courage, and love.