Gauri pulled the cab to a stop in front of the college hostel. She glanced at Charvi, still pale but recovering, and forced a reassuring smile.
"Come on, we're here," she said softly, stepping out and opening the door for her. She carefully helped Charvi with her bag and walked her inside.
At the hostel office, Gauri paid the rent in full, sliding the money across the counter with a firm hand. Only once the paperwork was done did she let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Charvi tugged at Gauri's hand, her voice trembling. "Didi… can't I just come home with you?"
Gauri turned to face her, her heart tightening at the plea. "No, Charvi," she said, her tone both tender and firm. "I can't take that risk."
Charvi's eyes filled with confusion and hurt. "But why? Don't you want me close?"
"I do," Gauri whispered, her voice cracking as she placed her hands gently on Charvi's shoulders. "More than anything. But I don't trust Maa. You know what she's capable of. She already tried to sell you once… and I won't give her another chance. I won't lose you, Charvi. Not again."
Charvi's lips trembled, and she threw her arms around Gauri, burying her face against her shoulder. Gauri wrapped her arms tightly around her younger sister, her own tears slipping free.
"You're safe here," Gauri promised, stroking Charvi's hair. "I'll visit you every day if I have to. But I can't let you go back home—not while Maa is still the same."
Charvi nodded weakly, clinging to her sister, the weight of Gauri's words settling heavily in her heart.
Gauri tightened her embrace around Charvi, holding her as though she never wanted to let go. Her voice trembled with love and worry as she whispered, "Take extra care of yourself, Charvi. Promise me you'll eat on time, study well… and keep away from trouble. You're all I have."
Charvi pulled back slightly, wiping her tears but trying to smile for Gauri's sake. "I promise, Didi. Don't worry."
Gauri cupped her sister's face, her eyes brimming with emotion. "Go in now," she urged softly. "Be strong. I'll come to see you soon."
Charvi gave her one last hug before turning towards the hostel gates. She walked inside slowly, glancing back again and again until the door closed behind her.
The moment Charvi disappeared from sight, Gauri's strength crumbled. Her tears flowed freely as she clutched her dupatta to her chest, her heart heavy with both relief and sorrow. She turned away, walked back to her cab, and drove off, her sobs echoing in the silence of the day.
It was broad daylight as Vihaan and Yug followed the glowing magical orb in their car, its faint shimmer guiding them steadily through the streets.
Yug, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere, smirked.
"People usually meet their soulmates on websites or in hotels… but you're following a magic ball to find yours, Bhaiya."
Vihaan's jaw tightened, his eyes never leaving the floating orb. "Shut up, Yug. You're talking nonsense."
Yug chuckled, leaning back in his seat. "I'm just saying… you're going all out for someone you've never even met."
Vihaan's gaze remained sharp, locked on the path ahead. "Just focus on driving."
The magical orb weaved its way into a narrow chawl lane before stopping in front of a modest house. Yug pulled the car over, curiosity sparking in his eyes.
Both brothers stepped out, Vihaan moving forward as though drawn by an unseen force.
Just then, the door creaked open. A young woman stepped out gracefully, her presence commanding without effort. She was Adrija—Gayatri's daughter, and Gauri's elder sister, though Vihaan and Yug were unaware of this hidden truth.
Inside the doorway, Gayatri appeared briefly, her voice soft as she bid farewell. "Adrija, take care. And don't be late this evening."
Adrija nodded. "Yes, Maa," she replied warmly before stepping away.
Yug's eyes widened, recognition flashing. He leaned toward Vihaan and whispered, "Wait… isn't that Adrija Dadi's nutritionist?"
Vihaan's gaze hardened, the orb hovering near Adrija as if pointing directly to her. His voice was low but certain. "That must be why Pratham Vanshi said the Jalpanchi has been in this house before."
The brothers exchanged a look—both shaken, both curious—while the orb pulsed brighter, as though confirming their suspicions.
At the Kothari mansion, a cab pulled up by the gate. Adrija stepped out gracefully, adjusting her dupatta, and paid the driver. With a polite smile, she walked to the door.
"I have an appointment with Kothari Dadi today," Adrija told the guard, who nodded and let her in.
Inside, Veena and Urvashi were already waiting. Their eyes softened with warmth as they welcomed her. Having learned from Vihaan and Yug that Adrija was believed to be the Jalpanchi, they decided to keep her in the dark for now.
"Adrija, beta, please come in," Veena said kindly, guiding her inside.
Adrija blinked in surprise at the warmth in their voices. She was used to formal courtesies, but this was different—gentler, more personal. As Veena led her to the living room and made her sit comfortably, Adrija secretly wondered, Why are they treating me with so much affection?
Urvashi leaned forward with a soft smile. "You are such a wonderful girl, Adrija. Dadi always praises you, and we feel so lucky to know you."
Veena nodded, her tone full of praise. "Yes… and if you don't mind, we'd like to suggest something very special." She paused for effect. "We would like to see you married to our Vihaan."
Adrija's eyes widened slightly. Shock fluttered in her chest, though she quickly masked it with composure. She had not expected such a proposal.
Meanwhile, standing in the shadows of the room, Pratham Vanshi observed silently. Her ancient, wise eyes studied Adrija closely.
The orb may have chosen her, but something gnawed at Pratham Vanshi's instincts.
"I don't know why… but this girl doesn't carry the true essence of the Jalpanchi," she thought. "Yes, the remnant aura clings to her… but she doesn't feel like the chosen one herself. Could it be that the Kotharis are rushing to conclusions too quickly?"
Her wrinkled fingers tightened on her staff, her heart unsettled. She knew that only time would reveal the truth—whether Adrija was truly the God-sent Jalpanchi, or just a link leading to the real one.