The afternoon sun shimmered through the stained-glass windows of the Kothari courtyard, where incense smoke curled gently toward the heavens.
The women of the family, draped in shades of red and gold, gathered around the sacred fire for the Vrat Savitri ritual. Their bangles jingled softly as they folded their hands in reverence.
At the center stood Gauri and Kesar, their faces glowing with devotion and determination. Beside them, Vihaan stood quietly, his eyes filled with pride and worry for his wife. Across the circle, Sarvansh leaned lazily against a pillar, arms crossed, watching the proceedings with amused impatience.
Yug, trying to maintain peace, nudged him gently. "Bhaiya, at least fold your hands. Show some respect. This is for your wife's long life."
Sarvansh gave a dry chuckle, his crimson eyes flickering with mockery. "Her prayers won't change fate, Yug. When death wants someone, it doesn't wait for rituals."
The women ignored his words, focusing on the holy flame. As Sharda tied the sacred thread around each of their wrists, she said solemnly, "This thread is a bond between husband and wife—of love, of faith, and of life itself. Keep it pure."
She turned to Gauri. "Gauri beta, begin the Savitri Katha."
Gauri nodded and stepped forward, her voice soft yet commanding as she began to narrate.
"Once there was a woman named Savitri, whose husband, Satyavan, was destined to die. When Yamraj came to take his soul, Savitri followed him, her faith unwavering. Her devotion melted even the god of death's heart—and so, her love brought her husband back to life."
Her words echoed through the courtyard like a gentle hymn. Even the flame seemed to flicker with reverence.
"Like Savitri," Gauri continued, "every woman here prays today for her husband's life—for love to triumph over death."
Vihaan joined his palms beside her, his gaze softening. "And every man should be worthy of such love," he murmured.
The ritual reached its next phase. Sharda handed Gauri a sacred red thread. "Now, tie this around the peepal tree, symbol of eternal life. The wife ties it for her husband's longevity, and he holds one end in faith."
Gauri smiled faintly and turned to Vihaan. He took the thread's end without hesitation, their fingers brushing briefly—a silent promise between them.
Nearby, Kesar looked at Sarvansh. "You'll hold it, right?" she asked quietly, hope trembling in her voice.
Sarvansh's smirk returned. "I don't believe in your mortal customs."
He turned away, his refusal slicing through the serenity of the moment.
Something inside Kesar broke. The air around her shimmered with heat as the flame flared unnaturally high. She stepped forward, her eyes burning brighter than the fire itself. "You lied to me!" she screamed. "You said this bond meant something! You filled my hairline with blood and called me yours—and now you mock it?"
Sarvansh raised a brow, his voice low and venomous. "I gave you life, Kesar. Don't mistake that for love."
Kesar's fury erupted. She plunged her hand into the ritual fire, her skin glowing with searing light, and hurled a spark toward him. Flames whipped through the air, striking his palms and burning them.
Sarvansh recoiled, more stunned than hurt, the heat licking at his skin.
"I am not your Savitri!" Kesar cried. "I won't beg Yamraj to save you. I'll become the fire that destroys you!"
"Kesar, stop!" Gauri rushed forward, grabbing her shoulders. "If you kill him, your soul will bear the curse of widowhood forever. You'll lose your light."
But Kesar's eyes were wild, tears streaming down her cheeks. "He already took my light," she whispered, voice trembling between pain and rage. "Now I'll take his."
The sacred wind howled through the courtyard, scattering petals and ash alike.
Gauri looked between them—Kesar burning with vengeance, Sarvansh clutching his scorched hands, his eyes dark with both anger and something far more human: guilt.
And above them, the Savitri mantra continued to echo, as if the goddess herself were watching the line between love and destruction blur once again.
Kesar's scream tore through the courtyard as she lunged at Sarvansh, her rage fueled by heartbreak. The sacred fire crackled violently, its flames licking higher as if mirroring her fury.
Before the fire could touch him, Vihaan rushed forward and caught her by the arms. "Kesar, no!" he shouted, struggling to restrain her. "You'll burn yourself!"
"Let me go!" she cried, her tear-streaked face twisted in pain. "He deceived me! He used me!"
Sarvansh stood unmoving, his crimson eyes gleaming with cold disdain. "And yet," he said softly, "you believed every word."
Gauri, seeing the chaos spiral, grabbed Sarvansh's arm. "Enough!" she snapped, dragging him toward the mansion before the flames consumed more than tempers. He resisted at first but let himself be pulled away, an amused smirk forming on his lips.
Inside, as they crossed the threshold, Gauri tripped on the rug — and Sarvansh instinctively caught her. Their eyes met, locking for a heartbeat too long. Her pulse raced, his smirk fading just slightly before he quickly stepped back.
Gauri steadied herself and spoke softly, "Sarvansh, please… this family needs you. You may deny it, but you're part of us — part of him."
He gave a sharp laugh, stepping closer, his tone laced with venom. "Part of him? I am better than him! You think I need Vihaan? I don't need anyone."
"Stop it," she whispered, eyes glistening. "You're tearing this family apart."
Sarvansh's gaze hardened. "Don't talk to me about family, Gauri. You're the one turning them against me. You've even poisoned Kesar's mind with your sweet little lies."
"That's not true," she said, trembling. "Kesar saw your deceit with her own eyes."
He leaned in slightly, his breath brushing her ear. "No, she saw what you wanted her to see."
Gauri's heart pounded, anger and pity warring inside her. "You think mocking and blaming others will make you stronger, Sarvansh? It only proves how afraid you are—of what you've become."
Sarvansh's eyes flared red for a moment, but instead of replying, he turned away, muttering coldly, "Afraid? I am the fear others bow to."
He walked off into the dim hall, his laughter echoing behind him, leaving Gauri standing alone — shaken, but resolute.