Kashyap Mansion - Living Room
The fragrance of fresh jasmine garlands and sandalwood paste filled the air as the family waited. Moti Baa sat regally in her favorite armchair, her gold-threaded sari shimmering in the lamplight. Sapna fussed with the final arrangements of the puja thali, while Akhil checked his watch for the third time in five minutes. Uma silenced him with a look.
Then—footsteps.
Mihir descended first, uncharacteristically polished in a cream sherwani, his usual smirk replaced by something softer. Maira followed, her crimson lehenga flowing gracefully, the vermilion in her hair a bright contrast against her dark tresses.
Teju appeared next, her traditional jewelry catching the light with every step. Sahir walked beside her, his hand resting protectively at her back, his usual stoic expression warmed by a rare smile.
Moti Baa's eyes gleamed with approval as she rose up from her seat.
Sapna pressed her palms together and turned to the family priest. "Panditji, shuru kijiye."
The priest nodded, ringing the brass bell sharply. The resonant *ding* cut through the murmurs as he began chanting:
"Om bhur bhuvah svah..."
Mihir shifted uncomfortably in his stiff sherwani. Maira signals him to fold his hands and he reluctantly agrees .
Teju closed her eyes, absorbing the Sanskrit verses.
Sahir stood motionless, but his pinky finger brushed Teju's - the only betrayal of emotion.
Moti Baa threw a handful of marigold petals at the deities as the scent of camphor and clarified butter swirled through the room.
Moti Baa stepped forward first, her aged hands steady as she scattered rice grains over the idol's feet. The flame of the oil lamp flickered as she lit it, her whisper barely audible. *"Jai Maa Durge."*
Sapna followed, circling incense around the altar, the fragrant smoke curling around her. She placed five sacred leaves with care, then bowed deeply, her forehead nearly touching the ground.
Akhil and Uma moved together—Akhil offering coconuts with surprising focus, Uma pouring milk in a steady stream. When her sari slipped, Sahir caught the fabric before it could fall.
Moti Baa turned, her gaze warm as she beckoned. "Come, beti, beta."
Sahir guided Teju forward, his hand resting lightly at her back. The priest handed them fresh marigolds, and as they placed the flowers together, their fingers brushed—brief, but enough.
Moti Baa's voice carried across the prayer room. "Mihir, Maira—your turn."
Mihir crossed his arms, leaning against the doorway. "I showed up. That's my devotion quota filled."
Maira sighed, then began reciting softly:
"Faith isn't in the seeing, but the kneeling—"
"Not this poetry crap again," Mihir muttered, rolling his eyes.
Before he could protest further, Maira grabbed his wrist and dragged him forward. She shoved the silver puja thali into his hands. "Just hold it. For one minute."
The moment his fingers touched the ritual items—
ZAP.
A jolt of energy sent Mihir staggering back. His nails elongated with an audible *snickt*. The whites of his eyes flooded crimson before fading back to normal.
Silence. Then—
Mihir was gone in a blur of movement, the bedroom door slamming upstairs before anyone could react.
The family surged toward Mihir's locked door as agonized screams tore through the wood.
"Beta, open the door!" Sapna begged, pounding her fists.
Inside, Mihir writhed on the floor, black veins spiderwebbing up his neck. His claws gouged the carpet. "Don't... come in...!"
Maira's Escape
She didn't hesitate. While the others argued, she slipped out, scaled the drainpipe like a shadow, and vaulted onto the balcony.
The Revelation
Mihir lay curled in a pool of sweat, his breathing ragged. When he saw her, his crimson eyes flashed. "I said stay—"
She was already crossing the room, tears cutting through the dust on her cheeks. "I don't listen."
His growl cut off as she pulled him against her chest. The veins receded like tidewater. His body went limp, his forehead dropping onto her shoulder.
Silence.
Then—the doorknob rattled. Sahir's voice, uncharacteristically sharp: "Maira?!"
She tightened her hold. "We're okay."
(For now.)
Later at night
Sapna's fingers trembled as she brushed Mihir's damp hair from his forehead. His skin burned under her touch, the black veins now faded but still faintly visible.
Kailashi pressed a palm to his chest, her milky eyes narrowing. "The darkness isn't just attacking him... it's trying to *claim* him."
Maira's breath hitched. Teju pulled her closer, their linked hands catching the moonlight—one marked with a star, the other with a crescent.
"What can we do?"Sahir's voice was steel wrapped in silk.
Kailashi rose, her shawl whispering against the floor. "I'll consult the ancient texts at first light. Until then..."Her gaze fell on Mihir's twitching eyelids. "Pray he fights it."
Sapna's tears splashed onto the sheets. "When will Mohana's shadow leave my children alone?"
No one had an answer.
Sapna's composure shattered. "Curse you, Mohana!" she cried, her voice raw. "Must you torment my family?" Tears fell onto Mihir's still face as she clutched his hand.
Moti Baa stepped forward, her voice steady. "Strength, beti. We are Kashyaps—we do not break." She placed a firm hand on Sapna's shoulder.
Uma nodded, her tone unwavering. "We stand together. Always."
With gentle insistence, they guided Sapna from the room, their presence a silent promise—this battle is not hers to fight alone.
Teju gave Maira's arm a reassuring squeeze. "He'll pull through." Then, with a glance at Sahir, they left.
Kailashi pulled Maira into a brief embrace, her grip tight. "Do not leave him. The darkness preys on isolation."
Maira swallowed hard. "I won't."
As Kailashi departed, Maira turned back to Mihir. His breathing was uneven, his skin too warm. She took his hand again, lacing her fingers with his.
She wouldn't let the shadows take him.
Maira's composure shattered. Her fists clenched the bedsheet as she glared at Mihir's still form.
"You mega irritating boss turned hubby," she choked out. "First you tormented me as your PA - making me chase you through concerts, clean up your scandals." A tear splashed onto his cheek. "Now you do this? After finally making me your wife?"
Her palm pressed against his chest, feeling the too-slow heartbeat. "Wake up. Wake up and annoy me like you always do. Pull another stupid prank. Anything."
Silence.
Maira's forehead dropped to their joined hands. The only sound was her broken whisper against his skin: "Just...come back."