The next morning, the Kothari mansion was wrapped in uneasy quiet. Golden sunlight streamed through the curtains, falling across Vihaan, who sat weakly on the couch. His face was pale, and every breath seemed heavier than the last. Veena fanned him gently while Sharda whispered soft mantras under her breath.
A sudden gust of wind swept through the hall. The diya flames flickered as Pratham Vanshi appeared, her silver robes glinting faintly like moonlight. Her calm yet powerful aura filled the entire space.
She walked toward Vihaan, placing her hand over his chest, her expression grave. "Adrija's attack has left a fatal curse on his soul," she said quietly. "If it spreads any further, even divine energy won't save him. There's only one way left—he must merge with Sarvansh."
The room went still. Gauri stepped forward, her voice trembling. "But… I killed Sarvansh."
Pratham Vanshi looked at her steadily. "No, Jalpanchi. You only destroyed his form, not his essence. Sarvansh still breathes somewhere in this realm. Until his spirit is destroyed or reunited with Vihaan, your husband will keep fading."
Gauri's heart clenched. "Then I'll find him," she vowed. "No matter where he hides."
---
Upstairs, the young woman they had captured—Kesar—was tied to a chair. Her wrists were bruised from the ropes. Urvashi stood near the door, her arms folded, her tone sharp.
"If that creature Sarvansh truly exists, he'll come for this girl," Urvashi said firmly. "We'll keep her bound until we know what she is."
Gauri entered quietly, her eyes softening when she saw the girl's state. "Aunt, please," she said gently. "She's unconscious and wounded. We don't even know what she's been through. Let me untie her."
Urvashi hesitated. "Gauri, you don't know what danger she brings."
"She's not the enemy," Gauri replied. "Sarvansh might have used her. But punishing her won't help us stop him."
Reluctantly, Urvashi stepped aside. Gauri knelt beside Kesar, loosening the ropes. The air around her felt strangely warm—too warm. Before Gauri could pull her hand back, Kesar's eyes fluttered open, glowing faintly red.
In a burst of heat, the ropes disintegrated to ash. The temperature spiked, and flames shimmered faintly around Kesar's skin.
"You locked me up," she whispered, her voice trembling with fury. "You think you can keep me from him?"
Gauri stumbled back, stunned. "You… you're not human," she breathed.
Kesar blinked in confusion, her fiery aura flickering uncertainly.
Just then, Vihaan appeared at the doorway, still pale but standing. The moment Kesar saw him, her anger melted into something fragile. Tears filled her eyes as she rushed forward and threw her arms around him.
"You're here," she whispered shakily. "My husband."
The family gasped. Veena's hand flew to her mouth. Gauri froze where she stood, her heart twisting. Vihaan held Kesar's shoulders and slowly pushed her back, confusion clouding his face.
"I don't know you," he said softly. "I'm sorry… but you're mistaken. My heart belongs to Gauri."
The flames around Kesar flickered wildly—hurt, rage, and heartbreak all tangled together. Her power surged, making the air shimmer. Gauri's ocean-blue mark glowed on her arm, its light clashing against Kesar's fiery aura.
The room trembled slightly, water and fire struggling in the same space—two sacred forces that destiny had tied together, yet set against one another.
Kesar's voice trembled, her eyes brimming with tears as she stepped toward Vihaan.
"Why?" she whispered, her tone breaking. "Why are you denying it? You were the one who filled my maang with vermillion that night—you said you'd protect me, that no one would ever touch me again.It's me Kesar, why are you pretending you don't remember?"
Vihaan froze, glancing helplessly at Gauri and the family. "I… I never did that," he said, his voice low and confused. "I don't even know you."
Kesar flinched as though he had struck her. The vermillion in her hairline seemed to mock her with its bright red streak. "Don't lie," she said, her tears spilling freely. "You looked into my eyes—you said I belonged to you! You killed Aditya for what he tried to do to me!"
Gauri slowly approached her, her heart aching at the sight. "Kesar…" she said softly, "listen to me."
Kesar turned sharply, her voice cracking with anger and heartbreak. "Don't call me that! You tied me up like a criminal. You all think I'm mad, don't you?"
Gauri shook her head. "You're not mad. You're hurt—because you were deceived."
Kesar's breath hitched. "Deceived?"
Gauri's eyes filled with compassion. "The man who married you wasn't Vihaan. It was someone who looked like him… someone who carries his face, his voice, his power—and part of his soul. His name is Sarvansh."
Kesar stared at her blankly, her voice barely a whisper. "Sarvansh?"
"He is the dark half of Vihaan," Gauri explained, her tone calm but steady. "A cursed reflection born out of a witch's spell. Everything Vihaan is—Sarvansh is the opposite. Where Vihaan saves, Sarvansh destroys. He used you, Kesar. He married you only to gain more strength… through your trust, through your pain."
Kesar stumbled back, her eyes filling with disbelief. "No… no, that can't be true."
"I wish it weren't," Gauri said, stepping closer. "But I saw it with my own eyes. Sarvansh doesn't love—he only takes. He played with your heart because your fire, your soul, made him stronger."
Kesar's knees gave way, and she sank to the floor, her sobs raw and uncontrollable. "He said I wasn't cursed… that I was special. He told me the world was cruel but he—he wouldn't be. I believed him."
Gauri knelt beside her, gently cupping her trembling hands. "You believed in love. That isn't foolish. What he did is unforgivable, but you are not to blame."
Kesar lifted her gaze, broken and searching. "Then who am I to him now?"
Gauri squeezed her hand. "You are the one person who can help stop him. You know his ways. You know how he moves, how he lies. If you help me, we can end this—for both of us."
Kesar blinked through her tears. "Why… why would you trust me? I was married to your husband's alter ego."
"Because I can see your heart," Gauri said softly with tears in her eyes. "You were used just like Vihaan was hurt. We both have scars because of the same man. And I believe the fire inside you can help me save him, please help me Kesar,please."
Kesar's eyes softened as her tears slowed. For the first time, she saw no hatred or pride in Gauri's expression—only warmth, and truth.
After a long silence, Kesar whispered, "If it means saving him… and stopping Sarvansh… I'll help you."
Gauri smiled faintly, her eyes glistening. "Thank you."
The two women, bound by pain and destiny, sat together in the quiet room. Neither knew that their connection ran deeper than fate itself—that their hearts, their powers, even their blood were one and the same.