The Kothari family boarded the luxurious private bus parked before the mansion gates, laughter echoing through the morning air. For the first time in years, the house had witnessed pure happiness — no shadows, no fear, only smiles.
Dadi took her seat beside the driver, adjusting her shawl. Veena and Urvashi arranged snacks like excited children, while Yug and Charvi bickered over who deserved the window seat.
Vihaan held Gauri's hand as they stepped inside.
"You've officially turned this house mission into a road trip," he teased.
Gauri smiled softly, "Maybe happiness needed a little push on wheels."
As the bus rumbled to life, the city faded behind them, and laughter began to fill the space.
"Okay everyone!" Yug announced dramatically. "No trip without dumb charades!"
Everyone agreed instantly, and teams were formed. Shyom played first — making wild gestures that had even Dadi in tears of laughter when his movie turned out to be Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
When it was Gauri's turn, she stood gracefully and began acting. Her movements were expressive yet delicate, like a dancer telling a story through silence. Vihaan watched her, eyes soft with pride.
"Got it," he said, "it's Hum Saath Saath Hain!"
Gauri's smile widened, "Exactly!"
The bus filled with applause and cheerful teasing. The game continued with laughter, gentle banter, and moments of shared joy that felt like balm to old wounds.
As the laughter subsided, Dadi looked at each of them — her family, whole again — and whispered a silent prayer of gratitude.
For once, they weren't talking about pain, past mistakes, or loss. They were simply together — a family rediscovering how to live again.
Outside, the golden sun dipped lower, and the hills ahead promised peace.
Inside, the Kotharis laughed like they'd forgotten what sorrow felt like.
And as the bus turned down the scenic road leading to the resort, Gauri rested her head on Vihaan's shoulder, whispering,
"Maybe this trip will be the start of something new for all of us."
Meanwhile, far away on the forest highway, the golden sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, painting the narrow road in shifting shadows. A lone figure stood on the ridge of a mountain overlooking the winding path — his cloak swaying gently in the breeze.
His eyes gleamed with dark amusement as he spotted the Kothari family's luxurious bus in the distance, moving through the valley road like an unsuspecting prey.
A low smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
Stretching his right hand forward, his voice dropped to a whisper, almost serpentine.
"Sin… sa…"
In an instant, metallic spikes materialized on the road below — sharp, gleaming nails that dug deep into the asphalt. The sound of bursting tires echoed through the forest as the bus screeched to a halt.
The driver stepped out, muttering in confusion. "Tyres? But we just changed them!"
He knelt beside the front wheel, unaware of the pair of dark eyes watching from above.
The wind carried a haunting sound — the eerie tune of a mouth organ. The Naashak lifted the instrument to his lips and began to play, each note rippling through the forest like a curse.
In the shadows, a group of men hidden among the trees stirred — their eyes turning pale and lifeless, their bodies moving in rhythm with the tune.
The hypnotic melody tightened its hold, and the men rose like puppets on invisible strings, ready to strike.
From his perch, the Naashak lowered the mouth organ slightly and whispered,
"Let the hunt begin…"
The peaceful chatter inside the bus was shattered by a thunderous bang on the door. Eight rugged men emerged from the forest, their eyes wild and movements erratic, shouting,
"Sab neeche utro! Get down now!"
Startled, the family exchanged anxious glances. The driver raised his trembling hands and opened the door. Vihaan instantly stepped in front, shielding Gauri and the others.
"Stay behind me," he warned, his voice low yet commanding.
The goons waved iron rods and knives, their faces hidden beneath grime and madness. One of them sneered, "You didn't hear us, hero? We said get down!"
Vihaan's jaw tightened. "You made two mistakes," he said, stepping forward, his eyes blazing with controlled fury. "First — threatening my family. Second — doing it in front of a police officer."
The men paused. "Police?" one of them mocked.
"ACP Vihaan Kothari," he announced, his tone sharp as steel. "I've handcuffed and thrashed criminals filthier than you — ones who thought they could break the law and walk free. Under Section 392 of the Indian Penal Code, armed robbery and criminal intimidation are punishable by ten years of imprisonment… or worse, depending on my mood."
His words dripped authority. Even the wind seemed to go still.
The leader of the goons snickered, "Then arrest us, hero — if you can."
Vihaan's smirk returned, calm and dangerous. "Gladly," he said, removing his jacket and stepping forward.
Behind him, Gauri whispered to Veena, "He's not scared at all."
Veena held her breath. "That's because when it comes to us," she said softly, "Vihaan doesn't know what fear is."
The goons circled closer, their weapons gleaming under the sunlight — unaware that they were facing a man who had once battled darkness itself.