Back at the Kothari Mansion, Vihaan placed the trishul over Veena's chest, his eyes closed in prayer.
"Please, Bhagwan, save my mom," he pleaded, his voice cracking with emotion. "Don't take her away from me."
Yug and Raani stood beside him, offering silent support as they prayed together. Vihaan's face contorted in anguish, and he fell to his knees.
"Please," he begged, his voice echoing through the grand hall.
The plea seemed to transcend space and time, resonating with someone far away. At the hospital, Gauri suddenly spun around, as if she had heard Vihaan's desperate cry. At that moment, a tear rolled down her cheek—but before it could hit the floor, it vanished, reappearing as it fell onto the trishul resting on Veena's chest.
Back at the mansion, the trishul began to glow with a soft, golden light. Veena's eyes fluttered open, and a collective gasp of joy echoed through the room. The family erupted into tears of happiness as Veena's gaze met Vihaan's, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
Vihaan carefully picked up the trishul, cradling it in his arms as if it were a sacred treasure.
"Yug, please keep this in the mandir for now," he requested, his voice filled with reverence.
Yug nodded, taking the trishul from Vihaan. As he walked towards the mandir, Vihaan turned his attention back to Veena, gently helping her sit up.
Veena's gaze fell upon Vihaan's burnt hands, and she gasped in horror. Tears welled in her eyes as she reached out to touch his injured skin.
"Vihaan, beta, you're hurt," she whispered, her voice trembling with concern.
Raani looked on, tears in her eyes, as Vihaan smiled weakly, wincing in pain as he wrapped his arms around Veena.
"Mom, how can you love me so much that you only see my pain?" he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.
Veena held Vihaan tightly, her tears streaming down her face.
"You are my life, my breath, Vihaan," she whispered back, her voice filled with devotion. "Your pain is my pain, your happiness is my happiness. I would give my life for you, beta."
Suddenly, Veena's face contorted in pain, and she clutched her chest.
"Ahh… my heart," she gasped.
Everyone rushed to her side, panic etched on their faces. As they looked at her wrist, a demonic tattoo began to appear, dark and menacing, spreading across her skin like a curse.
Dadi's eyes widened in alarm as she noticed the sinister mark spreading across Veena's wrist.
"Veena isn't fully healed," she declared gravely. "She still bears the witch's sign."
Vihaan's face filled with worry, his gaze darting between his unconscious mother and Dadi.
"What do we have to do, Dadi?" he asked, desperation thick in his voice.
Dadi's expression hardened, her tone steady but urgent.
"This curse is beyond our knowledge. To counter the witch's darkness, we must seek the guidance of the Pratham Vanshi—the first generation mystic seer."
Yug frowned. "Pratham Vanshi? Who is that?"
Dadi lowered her voice, almost reverently.
"She is not just anyone… she is an old woman, the last living mystic of the first generation. Her wisdom is greater than time itself. She has seen centuries pass, carrying the knowledge of every spell, every curse, and every secret the world has tried to bury."
Vihaan leaned forward, determination flashing in his eyes.
"Then tell me where she is. I'll find her."
Dadi shook her head slowly.
"Reaching her is no simple task. She lives in seclusion, far from mortal eyes—hidden within the caverns of Kaalvan, a place where the veil between the living and the spirits is thinnest. The path is filled with trials, and only those with a pure heart and unwavering will can stand before her."
The room fell into silence. Raani clutched her dupatta tightly, fear written on her face, while Yug looked uneasily at his brother.
But Vihaan's voice cut through the stillness, steady and unyielding.
"For my mom, I'll face anything—even Kaalvan itself. I will find Pratham Vanshi."
At the hospital, Gauri approached the doctor, her eyes pleading.
"Can I see my sister now?" she asked, her voice trembling.
The doctor nodded, and Gauri rushed to Charvi's room. She flung open the door and hurried to her side, pulling her into a tight embrace.
Charvi's eyes widened in surprise as Gauri buried her face against her shoulder, tears spilling freely.
"Why are you crying, Didi?" Charvi asked, concern flickering in her tired voice.
Gauri looked up at her, her eyes glistening.
"These are tears of joy," she whispered with a trembling smile. "My little sister is so strong… that's why I'm happy."
Charvi's expression softened, and she wrapped her arms around Gauri, resting her head against her shoulder.
"I'm fine, Didi," she said gently. "Please don't cry."
But Gauri couldn't stop the tears. She held Charvi tighter, recalling the doctor's warning about her fragile heart condition and the urgent need for surgery. The thought of losing her baby sister was unbearable.
Inside, her mind churned with worry. "I've been working multiple jobs, saving every bit I can for her surgery… but it's still not enough. Where do I find the rest of the money in time?"
The lines of fear and determination etched deeply on Gauri's face, but she forced a brave smile for Charvi's sake.
"Nothing's wrong," she said softly, brushing Charvi's hair back. "I'm just… so grateful to see you safe."
But in her heart, one question echoed relentlessly: How will I gather the money to save Charvi before time runs out?