The first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the grand windows of the Kothari haveli, spilling gold across the marble floors. In the main hall, Sharda, the family's guiding matriarch, led a solemn puja. Her voice was steady, chanting prayers that resonated through the spacious room, filling it with a sense of calm and protection.
Vihaan stood a few steps behind, quietly observing. The dark remnants of the previous night's chaos had faded from his expression, replaced with a thoughtful, almost serene gaze. He watched Gauri as she knelt respectfully, her hands folded in prayer, the morning light glinting softly on the bangle still clinging to her wrist.
One by one, the family received the offerings—flowers, fruits, and sweets—placing them at their foreheads, closing their eyes, and whispering silent wishes. Veena's hands trembled slightly as she touched the offerings, her lips moving in a silent prayer for her son. Yug glanced at Vihaan, catching the fleeting look of quiet reflection in his elder brother's eyes.
Vihaan, despite himself, found his eyes drifting repeatedly toward Gauri. There was something in the way she folded her hands, the soft concentration on her face, that pulled at him. A warmth, unfamiliar and comforting, spread through him. He knew, with a clarity that startled him, that his heart had already begun to respond—to her courage, her unwavering faith, her love for the family, and most of all, for him.
Sharda concluded the puja, her voice echoing with blessings and protection. "May Devi Maa guard us, and may our hearts guide our actions in times of darkness," she said, her eyes meeting each of the family members with quiet pride.
As the family dispersed to enjoy the offerings and morning meal, Vihaan lingered for a moment, his gaze still fixed on Gauri. She had risen and was moving to the side, giving him only a faint, polite smile. Yet, even from across the room, he could feel the pull—the thread of connection that had grown too strong to ignore.
A faint blush crept over his cheeks as he realized, with a mixture of astonishment and something warmer, that Gauri had already captured a piece of his heart. Slowly, deliberately, he followed her, ready to stay close, to observe, and perhaps, quietly, to let the bond between them deepen, one small glance at a time.
The hall was filled with the soft murmurs of the family when Urvashi finally broke the silence, her voice ringing clear. "I have an announcement," she said, her tone carrying both excitement and hesitation.
Dadi looked up, eyes kind and curious. "What is it, beti?"
Urvashi smiled, glancing around at the gathered family. "Raani's future mother-in-law, Babita, called. She said they would like to hold Raani and Bharat's wedding in a few days. Bharat is leaving for London for his business and will be away for over a year."
A collective hum of surprise and excitement rippled through the room.
Vihaan, leaning casually against the doorway, spoke with quiet authority. "Then we shouldn't delay Raani's wedding. It has to happen soon."
Urvashi's smile faltered slightly, concern flickering in her eyes. "But… with Kamini's return… I fear—"
Vihaan cut in, his gaze steady. "Kamini won't interfere. Gauri and I will protect this family. No harm will come to any of you."
Gauri stepped forward, her hand brushing lightly against Vihaan's arm, her voice calm but firm. "We've faced darkness before. We will stand together, and we will make sure nothing threatens our family again."
Sharda nodded in strong agreement, her eyes full of pride and reassurance. "This is the right decision. You both have the strength to protect this family, and I trust you."
Raani, unable to contain her joy, ran to Gauri, throwing her arms around her. "Bhabhi, thank you!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled in the embrace.
Vihaan, standing nearby, allowed himself a small, fond smile as he watched Gauri comfort Raani. His gaze lingered on Gauri for a moment longer than necessary, the warmth in his chest impossible to hide.
Just then, the door creaked open and Gayatri stepped in. Charvi's face lit up as she ran forward, embracing her friend. "You came back!" she exclaimed.
Gayatri smiled softly, brushing a hand through her hair. "I left on Gauri's birthday, went to a temple in the village to pray for her. I wanted her to be safe, to be blessed…"
Gauri felt a lump in her throat, touched by the gesture. The room, once tense with memories of darkness and chaos, now seemed lighter, filled with hope, warmth, and the quiet promise of protection, love, and family unity.