The fire had dimmed to glowing embers when Pratham Vanshi gently placed her palm over Veena's forehead. A faint silver light shimmered at her touch.
"She will awaken soon," the old seeress said softly, her voice steady with certainty. "Do not burden your heart, Gauri. Your mother-in-law is strong, and the spirits of the ancestors stand guard over her. What she needs now is rest—and your faith."
Gauri's chest swelled with both relief and guilt. She lowered her head. "I couldn't protect her when she needed me. And yet… I will never forgive myself if anything happens to her."
Pratham Vanshi leaned closer, her eyes—ancient, all-seeing—searching Gauri's trembling face. "You have done more than you know. You are where fate wills you to be, child. And when the river calls, you must not be afraid. Until then… be by Vihaan's side. He will need you."
Gauri swallowed hard, her heart aching at the memory of Vihaan's wounded body shielding her, of his words laced with love. She bent low, touching Pratham Vanshi's feet. "Bless me, Mataji. Bless me so I may walk the right path."
The seeress smiled faintly, resting her hand over Gauri's head. "May the river guide your steps."
---
[OUTSIDE THE COTTAGE]
Gauri stepped out into the pale dawn. The jungle air was cool, heavy with dew, and the silence pressed around her. She walked slowly, her hands clutching the dupatta around her shoulders, her mind still circling the story she had heard.
Vedika… Dev… their sacrifice.
Each name struck her like a bell of sorrow. A girl cast away on a river, powers sealed, parents' blood staining the earth. Why did it feel as though the grief belonged to her?
Her vision blurred, and before she realized it, tears slipped down her cheeks. They fell silently, dropping to the forest floor.
The ground shivered. Where each teardrop landed, tender green shoots pushed through the soil. Leaves unfurled, flowers bloomed, vines stretched toward the morning light. The barren earth hummed with life—trees stirred awake, petals blossomed in hues of crimson and gold.
But Gauri, lost in her thoughts, noticed nothing. She simply brushed her cheek, drew a shaky breath, and walked on, her figure retreating into the forest path.
Behind her, the jungle transformed, alive with a divine touch she did not yet recognize.
At the Kothari mansion, the first rays of morning sun streamed through the carved windows, gilding the marble floor with a soft glow. Yet inside Vihaan's room, the atmosphere was anything but serene.
"We cannot afford to take chances anymore," Vihaan said gravely, holding up a strange, braid-like object, dark and shimmering as though it pulsed with a life of its own. "I found this near the cave. It belongs to Kamini. This tail will guide us to her murti. But—" his eyes swept across the room, hard and unyielding, "—no one must touch it. Until it is destroyed, it holds danger."
The family shifted uneasily. Dadi muttered a prayer under her breath. Veena, pale but recovering, lowered her gaze with worry. Urvashi and Sharda exchanged a nervous glance. One by one, the family members excused themselves, leaving only Vihaan, Gauri, Charvi, and Yug in the chamber.
Gauri lingered near the corner, her eyes locked on the object. Her heart pounded. If breaking Kamini's statue means risking Vihaan's life… then I can't let it happen. I won't.
She steadied her voice.
"Vihaan, please—go check on Ma. She returned this morning, but after everything that happened, she must still be weak from Kamini's attack."
Concern clouded his expression immediately. "You're right. I'll see her now."
Before Yug or Charvi could follow, Gauri quickly added, "But before you go—this object shouldn't remain exposed. Kamini's shadows might try to steal it. Yug, Charvi… please, bring holy ash from the temple. With it, I can keep the braid sealed until Vihaan returns."
It was sharp, logical, and convincing. Charvi nodded without hesitation. "Yes, that will protect it."
Even Yug, though frowning, agreed. "Fine. We'll be quick."
Once they were gone, Gauri whispered to herself, "Forgive me, Vihaan… but I won't let this danger touch you."
She seized the braid and thrust it into the fire. The flames licked high, but the braid only shimmered—then dissolved into nothing.
Her eyes widened. It wasn't real… an illusion?
The door opened. Vihaan, Yug, and Charvi entered, their expressions serious.
"It vanished…" Gauri stammered, holding out her trembling hands.
Vihaan's face softened. "That's because it was never real. The braid was only a test — to reveal if Kamini still has hold over anyone among us."
Charvi stepped forward quickly, taking Gauri's hands in hers. "Didi, don't blame yourself. It isn't your fault if Kamini's shadows tried to use you. You're family. We'll protect you."
Yug's sternness melted a little as he glanced between them. "Charvi's right. Kamini's the enemy here, not you."
Vihaan's gaze lingered on Gauri with quiet resolve. "Whatever spell she tries, I won't let her take you from us."
For the first time since touching the braid, Gauri felt her chest loosen. The fear of being branded a traitor slipped away,but she still can't loose her facade because Kamini's shadow might be watching.