Meanwhile, in his room, Vihaan's phone buzzed with a call from an unknown number. He frowned, picked it up, and said, "Hello?"
A familiar, worried voice came through. "Jiju, it's me, Charvi. Is sister Gauri there with you? She isn't answering her calls. I've been trying to reach her—I fear something bad is happening to her."
Vihaan's chest tightened. "Don't worry, Charvi. I'll check on Gauri."
"Thank you, Jiju," Charvi breathed, and the call ended.
Vihaan pocketed the phone, a faint unease settling over him.
Out on the balcony, Gauri's knuckles whitened as she clung desperately to the railing, her arms trembling under the weight of her own body. The storm raged around her, the rain merciless as it drenched her saree and plastered her hair to her cheeks. Her breath came in ragged gasps, fear tightening her chest.
Vihaan strode toward the balcony, his eyes scanning the scene—and froze. Gauri was dangling dangerously, her grip slipping.
"Gauri!" he shouted, rushing forward, his face twisted with alarm.
Her hands slipped. A scream tore from her throat. "Help!"
Vihaan caught her just in time, his hands locking firmly around hers. He pulled with all his strength, and in one swift motion, he dragged her up and into his arms.
Soaked to the bone, Gauri collapsed against him, her face pressed into his chest, her body trembling uncontrollably. He held her tightly, his heart hammering in his ribcage, adrenaline coursing through his veins. The rain battered them mercilessly, but in that moment, nothing existed except the pounding of their hearts.
For a long breath, they remained like that—her clinging, him holding. Then, slowly, they pulled apart, the tension thick between them.
Vihaan's jaw clenched. His voice was accusatory. "Have you lost your mind? Did you try to… commit suicide just to put me and my family in trouble?"
Gauri's eyes snapped open, blazing with fury despite her trembling. "You're the one who has lost it. Why would I kill myself just to trouble you and your family? I don't know about others, but my life is very important to me."
Her words cut through the storm, her voice both hurt and defiant. She took a step forward, her anger searing. "You think I'm that petty? That I'd throw away my life just to spite you?"
Vihaan's eyes narrowed, his anger softening into suspicion. "Then how did you fall?" he demanded, his tone rough but quieter now.
Gauri hesitated, her gaze flickering toward the balcony railing. Her voice dropped to a whisper. "It felt… as if someone pushed me."
Vihaan's brow furrowed. He glanced around, scanning the balcony. "That's impossible," he muttered. "You must have lost your footing."
But Gauri's eyes lingered on the rain-slick tiles, unease shadowing her features.
Vihaan straightened. "It's pouring heavily. We need to go inside," he said firmly.
She nodded reluctantly, and together they stepped back into the room. The golden glow of the lamps wrapped around them, a stark contrast to the storm outside.
Unseen by them, Nishigandha materialized on the balcony, her eyes glinting with malice as she whispered to herself, "You survived this time, Gauri… but not always."
Her words dissolved into the rain as Vihaan and Gauri shut the door, oblivious to her lingering presence.
Later, Gauri emerged from the washroom, changed into dry clothes, only to freeze in shock. Vihaan stood near the bed, his back to her, towel in hand as he wiped his torso.
A startled scream escaped her lips, and she quickly spun around, her face burning red.
"What's wrong?" Vihaan asked, his voice calm, almost indifferent.
"You… you weren't exactly subtle," Gauri stammered, her embarrassment laced with annoyance.
Vihaan raised an eyebrow, glancing at her briefly before turning to pick up his clothes. "I didn't think it was a big deal," he said evenly.
The tension between them thickened, an awkward silence stretching.
As Gauri tried to move past him, her foot caught on the edge of the rug. She stumbled forward, losing her balance. Before she could fall, she collided with Vihaan, and they both tumbled onto the floor.
Their lips brushed by accident, the briefest of touches sparking a jolt through them both.
For a heartbeat, neither moved. Their eyes locked, and the memory of their first accidental kiss flashed in both their minds. Emotions swirled—confusion, anger, and something far deeper, unspoken.
The rain outside became a faint hum. In that moment, there was only them.