The grand hall glimmered in gold as fireworks painted the sky. The Kothari mansion brimmed with laughter and light — and amidst the crowd, a familiar voice called out joyfully.
"Raani!"
Urvashi's face lit up the moment she spotted her daughter stepping through the decorated archway. Raani, radiant in her crimson lehenga, rushed forward and hugged her tightly.
"Happy Diwali, Maa!" she said warmly.
"Happy Diwali, my child," Urvashi replied, kissing her forehead. "You've come at the perfect time."
Her father, Shyom, smiled proudly and opened his arms. Raani immediately hugged him too, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Papa… it feels so good to be home."
"And it feels even better to see you smiling," Shyom said affectionately.
Then Raani bent to seek Dadi's blessings. The elderly matriarch placed a hand on her head with a fond smile.
"Stay happy, beta. Your arrival has made this Diwali even brighter."
Raani then turned to Sharda and Veena, touching their feet as well before exchanging warm wishes.
"I'm sorry Bharat couldn't come," Raani said apologetically. "He really wanted to, but work kept him."
Urvashi sighed dramatically. "That son-in-law of mine is far too busy these days. And your mother-in-law, Babita? How is she doing?"
"She's fine, Maa," Raani replied. "She sent her Diwali wishes to everyone."
Just then, two familiar voices called out from across the hall —
"Raani!"
Vihaan and Yug walked in together, grinning ear to ear. Raani's eyes sparkled as she rushed to hug both of them, laughing through her tears.
"I missed you two so much!"
Vihaan patted her head fondly. "As long as you're happy, that's what matters."
Raani smiled, a little wistful. "I am, Bhai… but it still feels strange being away from everyone."
Yug grinned mischievously. "Then tell Vihaan to conjure a magical duplicate of you — one who can stay at your in-laws while the real Raani lives here with us!"
Raani and Vihaan both smacked his arm playfully, and laughter filled the air.
Just then, Gauri appeared at the top of the stairs, glowing beneath the lantern light. Raani's eyes lit up. She hurried forward and hugged her tightly.
"Bhabhi! Happy Diwali!"
"Happy Diwali, Raani," Gauri replied warmly. "You've become even more beautiful since the wedding."
Before their laughter could fade, Veer entered the hall. Raani turned at once, her face softening with affection.
"Veer!" she exclaimed, hurrying toward him. "Mom told me about your return. I'm sorry for meeting you so late!"
Veer smiled faintly, returning the hug.
"It's alright, Raani," he said smoothly. "You're here now — that's what matters."
But behind that easy smile, a flicker of calculation glinted in his eyes — unnoticed by everyone else.
Raani clapped her hands excitedly, her eyes sparkling like the diyas that lined the hall.
"This is my sister-in-law's first Diwali in this house," she announced proudly. "It should be extra lively tonight!"
Gauri laughed softly, adjusting her dupatta.
"Finally, someone who agrees with me!" she teased. "Otherwise, both your brothers have become so boring lately."
Yug gasped dramatically, hand over his chest.
"That's not fair, sister-in-law! I'm not boring at all — it's him who's the boring one!"
Vihaan arched an eyebrow.
"Yug…" he said in mock warning.
Yug grinned sheepishly, holding up his hands.
"Sorry, sorry! You're not boring at all, Bhai — you're… um… peacefully thrilling!"
The family burst into laughter.
Charvi giggled and looped her arm around Gauri's.
"Alright then! Since today is Diwali, we'll make sure it stays alive till morning. Let's dance the night away!"
Everyone cheered in agreement, clapping to the beat as the music began to play. The grand hall shimmered in candlelight and joy — laughter echoing, hearts light, and love glowing brighter than the lanterns above.
Meanwhile, in Pratham Vansh, the night had fallen differently.
The air was thick — silent, save for the eerie rustle of leaves whispering secrets to the wind.
Pratham Vanshi stood with the other elder priestesses before the sacred river — a mirror between realms. Its silver surface began to churn and darken, the gentle flow turning crimson, like veins of blood spreading across the water. The scent of iron filled the air.
One by one, ghostly reflections began to shimmer upon the river's surface — the Kothari family appeared within the rippling blood-water, their joyous faces laughing under strings of light and fireworks.
The elders exchanged anxious glances.
Pratham Vanshi's weathered hands trembled as she clasped her staff tighter. "The river bleeds… and yet they smile," she murmured, her voice heavy with dread. "The signs have already begun."
An elder beside her asked, "Do you think your granddaughter— Charvi — received your warning?"
Pratham Vanshi's eyes softened, worry shadowing her expression. "I sent the sacred bird myself. If the fates are kind, she must have delivered the message by now."
But the river's reflection rippled again — the laughter of the Kotharis blurred into indistinct shapes, as if hidden hands were already twisting their destiny.
Pratham Vanshi's heart clenched. "Something is wrong…" she whispered, her gaze darkening as the blood-red waves began to still. "The thread of fate has been disturbed."
Unbeknownst to her, far away in the golden-lit Kothari mansion — Veer's spell had already wiped Charvi's memory clean.
The warning never reached them.
And the night of Diwali, meant for light, had unknowingly welcomed its first shadow.