Nishigandha's hands wove intricate patterns in the air as she chanted ancient incantations. A dark, pulsating energy swirled around her, coalescing into a small, exquisite doll that eerily resembled Veena.
Pratham Vanshi's eyes widened in shock as Nishigandha's magic manifested before her. The doll's presence seemed to reverberate with dark power, and Pratham's instincts screamed warning.
With a cruel smile, Nishigandha pricked the doll's heart with a needle, and a faint cry echoed through the air. Inside the Kothari mansion, Veena suddenly clutched her heart, a look of pain and surprise etched on her face.
Vihaan and Raani rushed to her side, concern etched on their faces. "Maa, what's wrong?" Vihaan asked, supporting Veena as she swayed.
Raani's eyes scanned her aunt's face, alarm growing. "Chachi, you're pale. What's happening?"
Pratham Vanshi hurried into the mansion, her eyes locked on Veena's stricken face. Adrija and Gayatri exchanged puzzled glances, unaware of the supernatural forces at play.
Pratham took Veena's wrist, her fingers pressing against her pulse. After a moment, her expression turned grave. "Her heart rate is slowing," she declared, her voice low and urgent.
The room fell silent, shock etched on every face. Urvashi's voice trembled as she asked, "What will happen to Veena now?"
The air was thick with tension, and the unknown hung like a specter, casting a dark shadow over the gathering.
Pratham Vanshi's gaze hardened as she looked at Vihaan, her voice steady but commanding. "Vihaan, there's no time to waste. If you want to save your mother from Nishigandha's dark spell, you must marry Jalpanchi today. Only then will her life be safe."
Vihaan's heart pounded, but he nodded with determination. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect my mother."
Turning, he saw Adrija standing beside Gayatri, her brow furrowed with confusion. "Adrija," he said, his voice tense, "I… I'm sorry to ask this, but will you marry me sooner than planned? My mother's life depends on it."
Adrija's eyes widened, and she felt a flicker of unease. Why are they so eager to get me married? Something's off, she thought. But seeing the desperation and sincerity in Vihaan's gaze, she made her decision.
"Yes," she said, her voice calm but resolute. "I will marry you."
The Kothari family breathed a collective sigh of relief. Veena's face softened as she felt a tiny sense of security wash over her, though weakness still lingered. Raani looked on anxiously but hopeful.
Gayatri's eyes glimmered with satisfaction, a mix of excitement and greed, as she thought of the alliance's benefits. Vihaan gently took Adrija's hand, guiding her forward.
Pratham Vanshi nodded approvingly. "Good. Act quickly. Every moment counts."
The tension in the mansion slightly eased, but the shadow of Nishigandha's power still lingered outside, waiting for the right moment to strike again.
Adrija adjusted her lehenga in front of the mirror when she suddenly felt a strange chill behind her. Slowly, she turned—only to find a woman standing in the room. Adrija flinched in shock.
"Who are you?" she demanded, her voice trembling slightly.
The woman smiled faintly. "If you truly knew who I am, and the secret this family hides, you would never agree to marry Vihaan."
Adrija frowned. "What do you mean?"
Nishi took a step closer, her tone low and ominous. "This family is haunted by a witch's evil presence. That's why they want you married to Vihaan—so you can share in their cursed fate."
Adrija blinked, then suddenly let out a small laugh. "Are you serious? I'm a doctor. I don't believe in these superstitions. Ghosts, witches, curses? Nonsense."
But Nishi's eyes didn't waver. "It is the truth. They're rushing this marriage because of me. They're binding you into their curse."
Adrija folded her arms, her voice sharp. "Enough! Either you tell me who you are or I'll call the Kotharis right now."
The woman's lips curved into a chilling smile. "Very well. I am Nishigandha… a daayan, a witch."
Adrija raised a brow, her sarcasm cutting through her nerves. "If you're a witch, then I must be a sorceress. Don't try to scare me with these tales. Now get out."
Nishi's smile turned sinister. "Then look at my feet."
Adrija glanced down—and her breath caught in her throat. Nishi's feet were reversed. Her skin crawled as her eyes darted upward, only to meet Nishi's glowing, yellow, inhuman eyes.
Before Adrija could scream, Nishi's body lifted from the ground, crawling across the wall like a gecko, her braid elongating unnaturally, swaying like a serpent.
Adrija stumbled back, her legs giving way as she collapsed onto the floor, her eyes wide with terror.
Hovering above, Nishi whispered coldly, "I will give you one chance to save yourself. Run. Leave this mansion. Escape this cursed family—before it's too late."
With that, Nishi's form dissolved into thin air, leaving Adrija trembling, her mind racing between disbelief and the horrifying image she had just witnessed.