Meanwhile, in Vihaan's room, the atmosphere was heavy with urgency. The richly embroidered sherwani lay across the bed, and attendants bustled about, helping him dress as the groom.
Yug walked in, his eyes filled with concern as he watched his brother adjust the sehra. For a moment, he said nothing, then finally spoke, his tone solemn. "To save this family, you're sacrificing your own happiness, Vihaan. No one else could bear this burden the way you are."
Vihaan paused, his hands tightening on the fabric. His voice cracked with emotion as he replied, "What else can I do, Yug? Maa's life is in danger. If I don't do this, I might lose her… or anyone else in this family. I can't let that happen. I'd rather sacrifice my dreams than lose the people I love."
Yug's expression softened, though his heart ached for his brother. He stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on Vihaan's shoulder before pulling him into a firm embrace. "No matter what happens, I'm with you, Bhai. Always. You won't face this curse alone."
Vihaan closed his eyes briefly, leaning into the brotherly bond for strength. "I just pray this decision doesn't ruin Adrija's life," he whispered, his words heavy with guilt.
Yug held him tighter, silently vowing to stand beside Vihaan through every storm the cursed shadow would bring.
Meanwhile, in the guest room, Adrija's heart raced, her hands trembling as she clutched the folds of her lehenga. The earlier warning from Nishigandha echoed in her mind.
"This… this is insane," she whispered to herself, her voice shaky. "I can't risk my life for wealth. I won't marry Vihaan—not today, not ever—if it puts me in danger."
Her eyes darted toward the window. A daring thought sparked, and she shook her head as if trying to dispel it, yet the urgency of the moment left her no choice. She took a piece of paper and a pen, her hands moving quickly as she wrote a short, hurried note:
"Vihaan, I'm sorry, I cannot marry you today. Please understand. —Adrija"
She carefully folded the letter and tucked it onto the dressing table, knowing it would be discovered after her absence. Her gaze lingered on the window again, imagining the escape.
Taking a deep breath, Adrija moved to the window, her pulse hammering in her ears. She opened it carefully, testing the ropes of the curtains to slide down, and whispered to herself, "I have to get out… before it's too late."
The wind brushed against her face as she steadied herself, determination and fear warring in her chest. The thought of abandoning the wedding—and the family that expected her—was heavy, but survival outweighed everything else.
With one final glance at the lavish room she was about to leave behind, Adrija climbed onto the sill, ready to make her escape into the unknown.
Meanwhile, downstairs at the mandap, the priest had already taken his seat, ready to begin the ceremony. Vihaan walked forward and sat in place, looking around nervously.
The priest spoke, "Bring the bride now."
Dadi and Veena, though visibly weak, stood with effort. Veena swayed slightly, gripping Dadi's arm.
Dadi's voice was firm yet calm. "Urvashi, Raani… go bring Adrija downstairs."
Veena added, her voice trembling, "Yes… bring her… quickly."
Urvashi and Raani hurried upstairs to the guest room. As they entered, the room was empty. On the dressing table lay a folded note. Raani picked it up and read aloud, her voice rising in alarm:
"Vihaan, I'm sorry, I cannot marry you today. Please understand. —Adrija"
Urvashi's eyes widened. "She's run away!"
They rushed downstairs, the letter clutched in Raani's hands, to inform the rest of the family.
Gayatri's face turned pale, her greed momentarily replaced by shock. "What… what do you mean she ran away?!"
Vihaan's heart sank, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Mom… what do we do now?"
Veena's hand went to her chest, and she swayed weakly. "I… I feel dizzy… no… no…"
Dadi quickly steadied her daughter-in-law. "Veena… breathe. Stay with me. Everything will be alright."
Vihaan knelt beside her, his face tight with worry. "Mom, hold on. I'll fix this… we'll find her."
The priest looked on, confused and hesitant. The mandap ceremony had come to a halt, the solemn atmosphere replaced by chaos and fear.
The Kothari family stood frozen, each processing the shock and panic. Vihaan's mind raced—how would he protect his mother now, and who could bring Adrija back before it was too late?
Meanwhile, Vihaan and Yug hurried outside, calling out Adrija's name as they scanned the surroundings. The mansion gardens, pathways, and nearby streets were all in a frantic blur of motion.
Vihaan stopped, his hands trembling as he removed his bracelet. Closing his eyes, he tried to channel his powers to locate Adrija. Sparks of energy flickered around him, but no trace appeared. His chest tightened, and his knees buckled as the realization sank in. He fell to the ground, head bowed, overwhelmed with despair.
Yug knelt beside him, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "Bhaiya… don't give up. We'll find her. We have to stay strong—for your mom, for the family."
Vihaan shook his head, his voice breaking. "Yug… I can't… what if something happens to her? What if… what if I fail?"
Before Yug could respond, a piercing scream echoed from inside the mansion. "Veena! Veena!"
Both of them froze for a heartbeat, fear snapping their attention back. "Mom!" Vihaan shouted, and they sprinted inside.
They reached the hall to find Veena lying on the floor, unconscious, her face pale, her body trembling. Dadi and the rest of the family were surrounding her, panic written across every face.
Vihaan knelt beside his mother, his eyes wide with shock and horror. "Mom… stay with me! Don't… don't leave me!"
Yug grabbed Vihaan's shoulders, his own expression tight. "Bhaiya… she'll be okay. Focus on her—then we'll find Adrija."
Vihaan's hands hovered over Veena, fear and desperation coursing through him. For the first time, he felt the weight of responsibility crushing him—not just for Adrija, but for the mother who had given everything for him.
The mansion was filled with chaos, screams, and the looming dread of what might happen next. Vihaan's mind raced: how could he save his mother while Adrija was still missing?