Gauri staggered to her feet, tears streaming down her face, her body trembling as the Vish Purush raised his clawed hand once more. This time his poisonous nails shot forward with blinding speed, slicing through the air like arrows of death.
Her heart stopped. She squeezed her eyes shut, whispering a broken prayer.
And then—
A crimson flash tore through the darkness.
When she opened her eyes, Vihaan was there.
He stood before her like a shield, his broad back taking the full impact of the poisoned nails. They pierced him with a sickening force, and his body jerked. His eyes glowed a furious red as he clutched Gauri tightly behind him, protecting her.
"Vihaan!" Gauri's voice cracked, horror and relief colliding in her chest.
The Vish Purush froze, shock flashing across his monstrous face. "You… you dare to stand in my way?"
But before he could strike again, Vihaan lifted his wrist with effort, flicking it outward. A surge of raw, fiery magic exploded from him, red energy spiraling through the air and colliding with the beast.
And then—something unexpected.
From deep within her terror, Gauri let out a scream, her voice ringing like a piercing sonic wave. The sound wrapped around Vihaan's power, merging with it, transforming the glowing red energy into a dazzling storm of red and blue.
The force struck the Vish Purush squarely in the chest. His roar echoed through the forest as the combined magic burned through him, unraveling his monstrous form into ashes.
Silence fell.
Vihaan swayed on his knees, his glow fading. His eyes, no longer red, grew heavy as he fought to stay upright.
"Vihaan!" Gauri dropped beside him, catching him in her arms, her tears falling on his face. She shook him desperately. "Why did you do this? Why would you risk yourself like that?"
He tried to smile faintly, his lips moving but no words coming out, as if her safety was all the answer he had left to give.
And Gauri held him closer, sobbing into his chest, terrified of losing him, her heart breaking at the sight of the man who had just given everything to keep her alive.
With Gauri's help, Vihaan leaned against her shoulder as they staggered through the dense jungle. His breath was uneven, each step heavy from the poison spreading through his veins.
"There's… an old cottage nearby," he whispered hoarsely, his grip tightening on her arm. "Don't… don't take me home. I don't want Raani's in-laws to see me like this. It's her day… it shouldn't be ruined."
Gauri's throat closed at his selflessness, but she nodded, guiding him carefully until the broken silhouette of a long-abandoned cottage emerged among the trees. They pushed the creaking door open, dust and silence welcoming them, and collapsed together onto the cold wooden floor.
Tears welled in Gauri's eyes as she cradled him against her. "Why, Vihaan? Why would you put yourself in front of that monster like that?" she whispered fiercely, her voice breaking. "What if something had happened to you?"
Vihaan's lips curved faintly, though his body trembled. "It's better… than something happening to you," he murmured, his eyes half-lidded. "Gauri, don't cry. The poison… it just makes me drowsy. I'm not leaving you… not now, not ever."
Her tears fell onto his face, and she shook her head. "You don't understand. If anything had happened to you, I—" she stopped, sobbing softly. "I couldn't survive it."
His hand lifted slowly, weak but determined, brushing her cheek. "Do you know why I always find you? Why even tonight, when you were taken, the fireflies led me to you?"
The cottage darkened further as night pressed in, and with a gentle flick of his wrist, Vihaan summoned a soft, golden glow. Fireflies filled the room, dancing like tiny stars, and a pair of old lanterns flickered to life, casting a warm halo around them.
"Because we are bound," he whispered, his eyes glistening. "Not just by fate, not just by childhood memories… but by something deeper. Gauri, you are my heart. My soulmate."
Her breath hitched. She stared at him, tears slipping down her face, her hands trembling as they cupped his cheeks.
"I was so angry at you," she admitted through sobs. "For declaring marriage with someone else, for forgetting me, for failing your promise. But now… I see it. You never stopped protecting me. You never stopped caring. And I…" she pressed her forehead against his. "I love you too, Vihaan. Always have. Always will."
For a moment, neither spoke. Only the fireflies moved, weaving constellations around them as if blessing their union.
Then Vihaan smiled through his own tears and leaned forward, capturing her lips in a trembling, desperate kiss. Their tears mingled, their pain melting into the warmth of their love. It was a kiss of survival, of confession, of finally becoming one after years of distance and silence.
When they pulled apart, still holding onto each other, Vihaan whispered, "I thought I was cursed, Gauri. But you… you are my salvation."
And she held him closer, fireflies swirling around them, sealing the moment with unspoken eternity.