Late in the afternoon, sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the Kothari mansion, bathing the marble floors in a pale golden glow. Yet the warmth of the day couldn't pierce the chill that gripped the air inside.
Vihaan sat propped against the headboard, his complexion pale and his breath uneven. "He'll return," he said quietly, eyes fixed on nothing. "Once Sarvansh heals, he'll come for me. We share the same soul — he'll always find his way back."
The family gathered close, their faces drawn with worry. Gauri stood near the household temple, her palms pressed together in prayer. "Then we'll fight him," she said firmly. "We'll use every ritual, every strength we have left."
Sharda nodded in agreement. "There's one chance — the Vrat Savitri. It's a ritual of soul preservation. If performed with complete faith and unity, it can shield Vihaan's spirit while merging with Sarvansh."
A sudden gust of wind rustled the curtains, and with it came the gentle hum of divine energy. Pratham Vanshi appeared at the doorway, her presence glowing faintly in the sunlight. In her hand shimmered a small crystal vial filled with liquid light.
"This potion will hold Sarvansh for thirty minutes," she said. "No more. Use that time wisely — for after that, darkness will rise again."
Yug exchanged a glance with Charvi, determination flashing in his eyes. "We'll mix it into the ladoos. If he takes even a single bite, he'll be weakened long enough for Bhabhi to finish the ritual."
But Veena's trembling voice cut through the plan. "No! What if he possesses Vihaan again? What if… we lose him like we almost lost him to Kamini?"
Her hands clutched her saree tightly, her tears falling freely. "I can't watch another shadow take my son away."
Dadi stepped forward, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "Veena, this time we will not lose anyone. Vihaan has always stood between us and the darkness. Now, we will stand beside him."
The clock ticked slowly, each passing second heavy with tension. Outside, the bright day dimmed for just a moment — a strange ripple crossed the sunlight, casting fleeting shadows through the hall.
Then came a sound — faint, dragging steps from upstairs.
Everyone froze. The air turned cold despite the daylight.
Sharda's voice trembled. "He's here…"
All eyes lifted toward the staircase. Behind the railing, a shadow shifted — tall, still, and watching.
As the sunlight hit his face, the truth chilled every heart in the room.
Sarvansh had returned — his wounds healed, his power stronger, his eyes burning with crimson fire even in the brightness of day.
The final battle for Vihaan's soul had begun.
Outside the Kothari mansion, the air shimmered with a strange heat. The sunlight seemed to bend unnaturally around the figure that stood near the garden path.
Sarvansh.
He inhaled deeply, the corners of his lips curling into a dangerous smile. Lifting his shirt slightly, he revealed the scars that had once marred his chest—only for them to fade before the sun's eyes. His body healed itself, the dark veins beneath his skin pulsing with power.
The light played along his sculpted frame as he tilted his head back, running a hand slowly through his long, flowing hair. His movements were both graceful and menacing, a devil disguised in beauty.
A low chuckle escaped his throat. "It's time," he murmured, his voice echoing with venom and allure. "Time to greet my so-called family."
His crimson eyes glowed brighter, and with one swift stride, the earth beneath him darkened—each step spreading a faint, shadowy trail toward the mansion.
In their room, the soft afternoon light spilled through the curtains, bathing the space in gold. Gauri stood by the window, her arms crossed, her face shadowed by anger and worry.
Vihaan moved closer, his hand gently resting on her shoulder. "Gauri," he whispered, pulling her into a firm embrace. "Stop overthinking. I don't ever want to see you hurt again, samjhi tum?"
But Gauri didn't melt easily this time. She pushed him back, her eyes narrowing. "Then why were you planning to marry Kesar?"
Vihaan blinked, startled—and then a mischievous smile crept across his lips. "So that's what this is about," he teased, raising an eyebrow. "You're jealous."
"Jealous?" Gauri glared at him, her cheeks flushed. "When you're out there marrying someone else? Of course I'm—" she paused, realizing what she was admitting, "—I mean, you're the one who's confused, not me!"
Vihaan laughed softly, enjoying her flustered expression. "Relax, Gauri. I didn't marry anyone. Sarvansh did. Kesar is his wife, not mine."
Her jaw dropped. "What?" she gasped. "So technically, you—your other half—cheated?"
Vihaan grinned, pretending to think. "You could say that. But if you're angry on her behalf, I'll take it as a sign you care too much."
"You—cheater!" she exclaimed, smacking his arm. He caught her wrist midair and pulled her closer again, their laughter breaking the tension.
But before the moment could deepen, a knock resounded on the door. Urvashi's voice came from outside, sharp and trembling. "Gauri, Vihaan—come quickly! Sarvansh… he's back."
The laughter froze.
Within minutes, the family gathered in the grand hall. Lamps were lit hurriedly, and Veena, trembling, held an aarti plate as the door creaked open.
Sarvansh stood there—taller, colder, his crimson gaze sweeping over them all. His presence sent a chill through the sunlight that still streamed into the mansion.
Trying to keep tradition alive, Dadi stepped forward. "You've returned home, beta," she said softly. "Let us welcome you properly."
The family circled him with an aarti, their voices shaky, unsure if they were honoring blood or danger.
Sarvansh smirked faintly, his expression unreadable. "You shouldn't have bothered," he said coolly. "I'm not here for blessings. I've only come to take what's mine—Kesar."
A shocked murmur swept through the room. Kesar stepped back instinctively, her eyes wide with confusion and fear.
Veena moved in front of her protectively. "You can't just walk in here and claim people like objects!"
Sarvansh's smile widened, sharp as a blade. "Objects? Maybe that's all humans see in others. But I don't need your permission."
He reached for Kesar's arm. She flinched, yanking herself free. "I'm not going anywhere with you!"
Before he could speak again, Gauri stepped forward, her voice steady but fierce. "If you're under this roof, you'll respect our traditions—and our family."
For a brief second, their eyes met—Sarvansh's burning with darkness, Gauri's blazing with defiance.
And the air between them crackled with the promise of another storm.