Inside the cave, Gauri and Yug stood frozen as the enormous serpent lifted its head, its eyes glowing like molten gold in the dim light. Dust and pebbles trembled with every breath it took.
"Sister-in-law Gauri…" Yug whispered, voice trembling. "It's awake."
The serpent's tongue flicked, tasting the air. Slowly, it slithered toward them, its massive body scraping the cave walls. Gauri's pulse quickened. "Run!" she hissed, pulling Yug with her.
They darted behind a thick stone wall, pressing themselves against the cold surface. The serpent's shadow passed over them — heavy, looming, suffocating — before its movement slowed, its head lowering once again. Within moments, it was asleep.
Yug exhaled shakily. "Let's go back. Please. We'll find another way—"
"No," Gauri interrupted, her tone firm. Her eyes glimmered with divine determination. "This cave… this serpent… it's not a coincidence. Remember what Pratham Vanshi said — to reach Pratham Brisk, one must pass through the trial of nature itself."
Yug frowned. "And you think the trial is getting eaten alive?"
Gauri gave a faint smile. "No. I think the trial is about faith."
Before Yug could protest further, she picked up a stone and threw it toward the serpent. It struck the ground near its tail — the echo thundered through the cave. The serpent's eyes opened instantly, glowing brighter than before.
"Sister-in-law Gauri! Are you out of your mind?!" Yug hissed, panicking.
"Do you remember the story of Hanuman ji?" Gauri said quickly, her eyes locked on the serpent. "When Sursa blocked his path to Lanka, he didn't fight her. He entered her mouth — with courage and devotion — and emerged victorious."
Yug's face paled. "You mean we have to go into that thing's mouth?"
"Yes," she said, voice steady. "That's the only way to reach Pratham Brisk."
The cave suddenly trembled as the serpent lifted its head again, letting out a low, thunderous hiss. Stones fell from the ceiling. Gauri reached for Yug's arm, but the serpent's tail struck the ground, shaking the cave violently. Both of them stumbled and ducked behind a large boulder, breathing hard as the creature's movement stirred the air like a storm.
Yug whispered, "You're impossible, Gauri…"
Gauri smiled faintly through her fear. "And you talk too much."
---
Scene – Pratham Brisk
Elsewhere, sunlight filtered through crimson mist as Sarvansh and Kesar stepped into the heart of Pratham Brisk. The air shimmered with magic, heavy and ancient. At the center stood a towering, twisted Daayan Vriksh, its blackened roots pulsing faintly like veins.
Kesar looked around uneasily. "What is this place?"
Sarvansh smiled, eyes dark with ambition. "A place where power sleeps. This tree… it feeds on curses, thrives on blood. And through it, I'll become unstoppable."
Kesar frowned, confused. "But why bring me here?"
"Because," Sarvansh said smoothly, "you deserve to know who you are. What you are."
He placed a hand on her shoulder, his tone almost gentle — yet his gaze fixed on the Daayan Vriksh with hunger. Vihaan's life force is nearly mine, he thought silently. One more ritual… and the world will bow before me.
The sun was dipping slightly westward when Rani's car rolled to a smooth stop before the grand iron gates of the Kothari Mansion. The air shimmered with the quiet hum of afternoon stillness — the kind that always seemed to hang around the estate, caught between peace and mystery.
Rani stepped out, smoothing her dupatta, and turned toward the passenger seat.
"Adrija, come," she said warmly. "Everyone will be so happy to see you after all this time."
Adrija stepped out gracefully, her pale pink saree fluttering in the breeze. There was an almost ethereal calmness in her face — yet her eyes carried an unreadable gleam, a secret flame she hid well behind a gentle smile.
The guard, startled to see Rani with a long-lost member of the family, hurried to open the gate. As the two women walked up the stone path, Adrija paused for a brief second. Her gaze flickered toward the mansion's top balcony, where the family emblem — a silver trishul — gleamed under the sunlight.
Her lips curved faintly.
Soon, she thought.
Inside, Veena and Dadi were seated in the living hall, talking softly when the door opened. Rani's voice rang with excitement,
"Dadi! Veena ji! Look who I've brought!"
Everyone turned — and silence fell like a drop of ink in still water.
"Adrija…" Dadi whispered, rising slowly, her wrinkled hands trembling. "You've returned?"
Adrija bowed respectfully, her tone humble. "Dadi ji, please forgive me for disappearing without a word. I was… frightened."
Veena stood, her expression shifting between shock and compassion. "Frightened? Why, child?"
Adrija's lashes lowered. "Because of the witch… Nishigandha. She came to me the night before the wedding. She said she would curse everyone if I went through with it. I panicked and ran."
Gasps echoed. Even Urvashi, who rarely lost composure, looked taken aback.
"Adrija…" Veena breathed, stepping closer. "That night changed everything. Vihaan's destiny… Gauri's path… everything turned on that moment."
Adrija smiled faintly, the perfect mix of remorse and grace. "Maybe destiny had already written it this way, Maasi ji. Maybe Vihaan and Gauri were meant to be together. My running away… was part of the plan."
Her words, so calmly spoken, drew murmurs of agreement from a few relatives standing nearby.
Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps filled the hall — Gayatri and Charvi had just arrived from the chawl.
"Rani called us—" Gayatri began, but her voice broke as her eyes fell on Adrija. "Adrija?"
Tears blurred her vision as she rushed forward, clutching her daughter to her chest. "My child… my Adrija… I thought I lost you forever!"
Adrija held her, her tone soft and calm. "Don't cry, Maa. I'm fine. Truly."
Charvi stood frozen a few feet away, staring at her elder sister as though seeing a ghost. "Didi… is it really you?"
Adrija turned, smiling. "Yes, Charvi. Your foolish elder sister finally found her way home."
Charvi hesitated before stepping forward to hug her — but the moment their arms touched, a strange wave of cold shot through her veins. A flash of red eyes… a shadowed sigil burning in darkness… a whisper that wasn't her own.
Charvi gasped quietly and stepped back. Adrija tilted her head slightly, her smile never faltering.
"Are you all right?" Adrija asked sweetly.
Charvi blinked rapidly. "Yes… yes, just dizzy from the travel."
Veena intervened, gesturing to the servants. "Bring some water for everyone. This is a day of miracles — Adrija has returned after two long months."
As the family gathered around, Dadi's eyes shone with relief — but beneath the surface of joy, something unseen stirred.
A faint wind brushed past the idols in the corner temple, the diya flame flickering violently for a moment before steadying again.
Only Charvi noticed — and her heart tightened.
Something about her sister didn't feel… human anymore.