The family gathered around Vihaan and Gauri, beaming with joy. Veena hugged Gauri tightly. "Welcome to the family, beta! We're so happy to have you."
Urvashi smiled warmly at Vihaan. "Our family just got a little more special with Gauri joining us."
Raani playfully teased, "Vihaan bhaiya's finally off the market! Who knew he'd settle down?"
Yug chuckled, adding, "Yeah, and with someone as amazing as Gauri! You're a lucky man, Vihaan bhaiya."
Vihaan forced a smile, his eyes flashing with tension as he glanced at Gauri. Gauri's smile seemed equally strained, her eyes avoiding his.
The family's congratulations and teasing continued, but the tension between Vihaan and Gauri was palpable, hidden beneath the surface of their polite smiles.
Vihaan leaned in close to Gauri, his voice barely audible over the celebrations. "I have a small request for you, Gauri."
Gauri's eyes narrowed slightly as she turned to him. "What is it?"
"Go to Mom and convince her to come downstairs," Vihaan whispered, his grip on her arm tightening.
Gauri's expression turned skeptical. "Why should I? She'll just lecture me."
Vihaan's smile grew menacing. "You'd do well to remember your priorities, Gauri. Refusing might lead to... unpleasant consequences. Your mom's safety, for instance, hangs in the balance."
Gauri's eyes flashed with anger, but she kept her voice low. "It seems your blackmailing won't end, Mr. Blackmailer."
Vihaan's grip on her arm tightened further. "You have no choice but to comply, Gauri. Go."
Gauri's voice was laced with reluctance. "Where's your dearest Mom's room?"
Vihaan nodded toward the stairs. "Second door on the left."
Gauri's eyes rolled slightly as she pulled away from him. "Great, just what I always wanted," she muttered under her breath. "More of your family's drama."
As she walked away, she whispered to herself, "Why does he always get to blackmail me? When will this end?"
With a deep breath, Gauri climbed the stairs, her heart heavy with the weight of her situation.
In Veena's room
Veena sank onto her bed, her hands trembling slightly. "I can't believe my son… marrying that cheap dancer," she muttered, her voice a mixture of disbelief and fury.
A sudden knock at the door made her startle. She turned slowly and opened it—only to freeze. There, leaning casually against the frame, stood Nishi, a sly smirk playing on her lips.
"Witch…" Veena stammered, fear creeping into her voice.
Nishi's eyes glinted with dark amusement. With a wave of her hand, a shimmer of magic enveloped Veena. The older woman gasped, her body stiffening as if controlled by an unseen force.
"You will kill Gauri," Nishi whispered, her voice carrying an unnatural echo that made Veena shiver.
Veena staggered back, sliding onto the bed, her hands clutching the sheets. "I… I will kill Gauri…" she repeated, her voice hollow, the words foreign yet forced from her own lips.
And just like that, Nishi vanished into thin air, leaving behind only a lingering chill.
Unbeknownst to Veena, the door creaked again—and Gauri approached, stepping into the room. She had no idea of the dark magic that had just transpired, nor the sinister plan silently unfolding around her.
As Gauri stepped inside, Veena slowly stood up, turning to face her. Gauri noticed nothing unusual about Veena's expression or eyes; she simply looked stern.
Veena remained silent, her gaze piercing as she watched Gauri approach. Gauri felt a shiver run down her spine under the intense scrutiny but stood her ground.
"Vihaan sent me," Gauri said, trying to break the silence. "He wants you to come downstairs."
Veena's movements were swift and sudden. Before Gauri could react, Veena snatched a hairpin from Gauri's hair and jabbed it toward her arm.
Gauri cried out in pain and shock, her eyes widening in surprise. Veena attempted to strike again, but Gauri dodged just in time.
Quickly, Gauri grabbed Veena's hand, her grip firm as she tried to restrain her. Veena struggled, her eyes still blank and unresponsive, her face devoid of any emotion.
Gauri's grip tightened, her mind racing with questions about what was happening to Veena.
Gauri pushed Veena, who lost her balance and fell to the floor. Just as this happened, Vihaan reached the room.
Vihaan's eyes widened in shock as he saw his mother lying on the floor. He misunderstood the situation, thinking Gauri had intentionally pushed Veena.
"GAURI!" Vihaan shouted, his voice thunderous with anger and concern. He rushed to his mother's side, helping her up.
Veena seemed dazed, still under the influence of Nishi's spell. Vihaan's anger toward Gauri was palpable, his eyes blazing with fury.
Gauri tried to justify her actions, but Vihaan cut her off, his voice stern. "Not another word, Gauri."
He helped his mom sit on the bed, where she feigned distress, still under Nishi's influence. Veena's eyes gleamed with a manipulative spark as she gazed up at Vihaan.
"Vihaan, beta," she said, her voice trembling, "Gauri pushed me. She's been disrespecting me all along. You have to do something about her. She'll stop at nothing to seek revenge on me."
Vihaan's anger toward Gauri intensified, fueled by his mom's words.
Vihaan's grip on Gauri's hand was tight as he dragged her downstairs. Everyone in the room fell silent, shocked by the scene unfolding before them.
Dadi stepped forward, concern etched on her face. "Vihaan, beta, what's happening?"
Vihaan's voice was cold. "Ask her. She dared to push my mother."
The room fell into stunned silence, all eyes on Gauri. Charvi's jaw tightened as she watched the scene unfold, her heart pounding with worry for her sister.
Gauri tried to explain, "That's not exactly what happened, Vihaan—"
But Vihaan cut her off, his voice sharp. "Shut up, Gauri."
The words hung in the air, shocking everyone. Gauri's eyes widened, hurt and anger flashing in them. Charvi's hands clenched at her sides, ready to step in, but she held herself back, knowing this was a delicate moment.
Vihaan's voice dripped with accusation. "Every member of my family, including me, has witnessed how you disrespect my mother every time. And today, you crossed your limits by pushing her."
Gauri's voice rose in defense, her quiet strength shining through. "I never argued without provocation. I only defended myself from her venomous words. And not just your mother—anyone who insults me gets the same response."
Her words rang true, but Vihaan's expression remained unyielding.