As Vihaan, Gauri, Yug, and Charvi prepared to leave, the entire Kothari family gathered in the hall, their faces tight with worry. The air was heavy with silence until Dadi slowly stepped forward.
Her eyes lingered on each of them with love and concern. Raising her hands, she said softly, "You are walking into danger, but remember… no darkness can win against truth and unity. May Devi Maa protect you."
She placed her trembling hand on Vihaan's head first. "You are the shield of this family, my child. Don't let that shield break."
Then she turned to Gauri, blessing her forehead. "You are our strength, our faith. Let your heart guide you when fear surrounds you."
She touched Yug's cheek lightly. "Never hide your bravery behind jokes, beta. Tonight, your courage will matter."
Finally, she pulled Charvi close, cupping her face. "And you, my child… your visions are a gift of destiny. Trust them, trust yourself. They will lead you true."
Charvi's eyes welled up, and she whispered, "We won't fail, Dadi."
Dadi lifted both hands, blessing all four together. "Go with my blessings. Come back with victory."
Vihaan glanced once at Gauri, a silent promise passing between them. With steady steps, the four walked out of the mansion, disappearing into the night as the family stood praying behind them.
With Charvi leading, the four walked deeper into the forest. The trees seemed endless, their branches twisting into each other like a maze. A strange mist curled along the ground, glowing faintly in the moonlight.
Yug rubbed the back of his neck, frustration bubbling. "I swear we've been walking in circles. Why can't I remember any of these paths? They all look the same!"
Vihaan glanced around, his eyes narrowing. "Because this is no ordinary jungle. It's a magical forest. The moment you step out, the way disappears from your memory. It's meant to confuse outsiders."
Yug frowned. "Then how is Charvi so sure where she's going?"
Before Vihaan could answer, Gauri smiled gently and said, "Because Charvi is a seer, Yug. That's why Pratham Vanshi entrusted her with this task. Only she can remember what we cannot."
Yug let out a low whistle, shaking his head. "Lucky us."
Still, the walk felt endless. Gauri dragged her steps slightly, sighing in mock complaint, before reciting in a soft sing-song tone, almost like a poem:
"The trees repeat, the air stands still,
with every step, we climb a hill.
Our feet are weary, the path unkind,
how far ahead this cave we'll find?"
Her voice carried like a melody through the forest, breaking the tension. Yug and Charvi exchanged a playful smile at her dramatics, while Vihaan slowed his pace beside her. His lips curved into a teasing smirk.
"Should I carry you then?" he asked, his voice low but playful.
Gauri turned to him sharply, cheeks warming. "No, I'll handle it!" she said stubbornly, lifting her chin.
Yug elbowed Charvi lightly, whispering, "Bhabhi's pride is stronger than any magic."
Charvi giggled, while Vihaan just chuckled under his breath, his eyes lingering on Gauri with a quiet fondness as they pressed onward through the enchanted forest.
The group trudged on, mist curling tighter around their ankles as the silence of the forest deepened. Suddenly, Gauri's eyes caught a sharp movement above.
"Vihaan, watch out!" she cried, rushing forward.
A heavy branch snapped loose from an ancient tree, plummeting straight down. In a quick motion, Gauri yanked Vihaan back against her just before it crashed onto the path with a thunderous crack.
For a moment, time froze. Vihaan's arm instinctively circled her waist, their faces inches apart, their breaths mingling. Their eyes locked, unspoken emotions passing between them in the tense silence of the forest.
Yug broke the moment with a dramatic sigh. "Unbelievable. Even in a forest full of traps, you two find time for eye-lock romance. This is not a movie set, you know."
Vihaan shot him a glare. "Shut up, Yug."
Charvi stifled a giggle while Gauri pulled away quickly, her cheeks warm. Without another word, they pressed on, the forest watching silently, as though it too recognized the bond growing stronger between them.
Vihaan's expression hardened as he scanned the eerie forest.
"Everyone, stay vigilant," he urged. "Danger seems to be lurking around every step."
They moved ahead carefully, when suddenly the earth beneath them rumbled. With a loud crack, the ground split open right in front of their path, dirt and rocks collapsing into a deep, bottomless crevice.
All four of them staggered back in shock. Gauri clutched Vihaan's arm while Yug muttered, "What the hell—?" his eyes wide with disbelief.
Charvi's voice trembled as she said, "This… this didn't happen when we came here yesterday. The ground was whole. The way was clear."
Vihaan narrowed his eyes, his jaw tightening.
"It seems Kamini already knows we're searching for her statue," he said grimly. "She's creating these barriers… trying to stop us from reaching her."
The air grew heavier, the silence of the forest broken only by the distant sound of shifting earth—as though the jungle itself was turning against them.