The warm afternoon sun beat down on the tranquil Kashyap courtyard. Just as a deep sense of peace was settling over the dozing, color-strewn group, **Mihir** stirred from his spot on the swing. A mischievous glint returned to his eyes, cutting through the exhaustion. He sat up, nudging **Sahir** with his foot.
**"Bhaiya,"** Mihir said, his voice still hoarse but playful. **"All this peace and quiet is boring. We never finished our celebration properly."**
Sahir looked up from his book, adjusting his stained glasses. **"Mihir, it's over. People are sleeping."**
**"Exactly! They need a proper send-off!"** Mihir declared, getting to his feet. He cleared his throat dramatically, then began to sing, his voice surprisingly melodic as he launched into the playful, modern tune.
**"Arey Thari Kismat Mein
Ghulami Likhe Do Hai
Rani Ghulam Ne Nahi
Raja Ne Mila Kare..."**
Sahir sighed, a long-suffering sound, but a small smile touched his lips. He closed his book with a snap. Seeing his brother's determined look, he knew resistance was futile. He stood up, and in a deadpan, professorial tone that hilariously contrasted the lyrics, he joined in on the next lines, pointing a finger at a sleeping **Akhil**.
**"Diwale Baala Tu Kuthe Chaala
Ja Tu Tar Already Ushira Aala..."**
Their duet-Mihir's full-hearted, dramatic performance and Sahir's flat, rhythmic delivery-was so absurd it was brilliant. One by one, the sleeping and drowsing guests began to stir, blinking in the sunlight with confused smiles.
**Teju** and **Maira** looked at each other and burst out laughing. **Rahi** whooped and started clapping to the beat. By the time they reached the infectious chorus, the entire courtyard was awake and grinning.
**"Ek Number Tujhi Kambar
Haay Chaal Shaky Shaky!"**
Mihir pulled a laughing Maira to her feet, spinning her around. Sahir, with a roll of his eyes that was all affection, offered a hand to Teju. The special guests, who were about to leave, paused by the gate, laughing and filming the impromptu performance on their phones.
The song, a perfect blend of traditional melody and modern swag, became the true, joyful finale to a Holi they would never forget. It wasn't about magic or danger anymore; it was just about family, laughter, and two brothers giving their loved one last, hilarious memory before the day ended.
As they hit the final "G Spark!" and Mihir struck a triumphant pose, the entire gathered family and friends erupted in applause and cheers, the sound echoing into the peaceful afternoon, a final burst of vibrant energy before the calm truly set in.
The final notes of the ridiculous, heartfelt duet faded into the afternoon air, followed by a wave of laughter and enthusiastic applause. The special guests, now thoroughly delayed in their departures, gathered around the two couples, their faces alight with amusement and genuine admiration.
**Rahi** clapped the loudest, her eyes sparkling as she looked between the two pairs. **"Wah, wah!** Okay, I officially need to take notes. On one side,"** she said, pointing to **Maira and Mihir**, **"we have pure, unadulterated fire! The drama, the passion, the way you two move together like a single storm-it's electric!"**
She then turned to **Sahir and Teju**, a mischievous grin on her face. **"And on the other, we have the ultimate plot twist! Who knew the serious professor had those moves hiding behind his books? And Teju, you matching his deadpan energy with that hidden smile? That's true power coupling right there!"**
**Rishank** nodded in agreement, chuckling. **"She's not wrong. You two couples are the perfect balance. The unstoppable force and the immovable object. It's the kind of chemistry that saves the day... and then throws a legendary party."**
**Armaan**, leaning against his car with **Chandni**, gave an impressed nod. **"For once, I'm speechless. Mihir, my man, you and Maira are chaos incarnate, and it's brilliant. And Sahir,"** he added, a smirk playing on his lips, **"you and Teju are the quiet earthquake no one sees coming. Seriously, well done."**
**Chandni** smiled serenely, her gaze sweeping over both couples. **"It's the synergy. Maira and Mihir's energy is contagious and powerful, a wildfire that burns away the darkness. And Sahir and Teju's bond is a deep, steady current, a foundation that cannot be shaken. Together, you are truly complete."**
Rikki smile softly. **"Okay, okay, enough mushy stuff. But yeah, you guys are a fun team. A little crazy, but fun."**
**Rainaksh** smirked, wrapping his arm around her waist. **"What she means is, your combined dynamic is formidable. It's the kind of partnership that wins wars."**
The praise, encompassing both their wild passion and their steady strength, washed over the two couples. Maira leaned into Mihir's side, beaming with pride, while Teju looked up at Sahir, who offered a rare, full smile, his arm tightening around her shoulders. After a night of fear and a fight for survival, this recognition from their extraordinary peers-people who understood magic, danger, and deep bonds-felt like the most meaningful victory of all.
It was a perfect, heartfelt conclusion before the final goodbyes.
The warm, celebratory atmosphere cooled by a few degrees. The cars were started, goodbyes were being said, and the special guests began to make their way towards the gate. **Rikki** hung back for a moment, letting **Rainaksh** get the bike ready.
Her playful demeanor had vanished, replaced by a rare, grim seriousness. She approached **Maira** and **Teju**, who were seeing everyone off.
**"Hey,"** Rikki said, her voice low and devoid of its usual sarcastic edge. She glanced around to ensure they weren't overheard. **"What happened tonight... that was just the opening act. A test, maybe."**
Maira and Teju exchanged a worried glance, the joy of the afternoon momentarily dimmed.
**"What are you talking about?"** Teju asked, her voice steady but cautious.
Rikki's gaze was intense. **"The magic we felt, the way that thing controlled everyone... it's old. And it's hungry. It's not finished with you. Not with this family."** She looked from Maira to Teju, her expression grave. **"When it comes back-and it will-stopping it for good won't be as simple as a potion in a pool. A great sacrifice will have to be made. Be ready."**
The words hung in the air, a chilling prophecy that felt like a shadow passing over the sun.
Before either woman could ask for clarification, Rikki's mask of cool indifference slipped back into place. She gave a short, sharp nod. **"Just a friendly warning from one... complicated... family to another."**
She turned and walked towards Rainaksh, who was waiting with the bike, his own expression somber, as if he already knew what had been said. He revved the engine, and they sped off, leaving behind a cloud of dust and a heavy sense of foreboding.
Maira and Teju stood side-by-side, watching them go, the joyful echoes of the song and laughter now feeling distant. The victory they had just celebrated felt fragile. The fight was far from over.