The path ahead glimmered under the faint dawn light. Mist rose from the river below, veiling the ancient bridge that led toward the sacred hill of Paanchgiri.
Beyond the mist, two massive mystic bells hung from tall stone arches — their bronze surfaces etched with divine symbols, glinting like molten gold.
Gauri exhaled, a smile of relief flickering on her lips. "Finally… we found them."
Vihaan nodded, his eyes scanning the stillness around. "We just need to ring them both, and the walkers will be freed."
They took a step forward — but before they could set foot on the bridge, a deep voice echoed through the mist.
"Stop."
The fog parted, revealing a tall, armored gatekeeper with eyes like burning embers and a staff glowing faintly blue. He stood at the threshold, barring their way.
"No one may cross together," the gatekeeper said solemnly. "Only one soul may enter the sacred bridge at a time. That is the decree of the bells."
Gauri's expression faltered. "But… there are two bells. How can one person ring both?"
The gatekeeper's tone remained unmoved. "That is not for me to question. The rule stands — only one may enter."
Vihaan turned to Gauri, thinking fast. A quiet smile tugged at his lips. "Then one it shall be."
Before Gauri could protest, Vihaan stepped forward and swept her into his arms. Her eyes widened in surprise as their gazes locked — the faint golden light of the bells reflecting in both their eyes.
Gauri gasped softly, her voice low. "Vihaan… what are you doing?"
He smiled, his tone playful yet resolute. "You said one person can't do it alone, right? Well…" he tilted his head, "…we're not two anymore."
He looked straight at the gatekeeper. "Since only one can enter, it shouldn't be a problem — it's still one pair of feet."
The gatekeeper studied them silently. Then, a rare hint of a smile crossed his ancient face.
"Clever," he said. His voice softened, almost reverent. "For soulmates are not two beings — they are one body, one soul. The rule does not apply to the united."
He struck his staff against the ground, and the barrier of mist parted to form a glowing pathway.
"Go forth, children of destiny. May your bond guide you."
Gauri's heartbeat quickened as Vihaan carried her onto the bridge, the mist curling around them like silver ribbons. She rested her hand against his chest, meeting his gaze.
"Trust you to find a loophole in divine law," she teased gently.
Vihaan chuckled. "When the universe writes the rules, love writes the exceptions."
Together, they crossed the glowing bridge — heading toward the bells that shimmered with ancient magic.
The golden mist shimmered as Vihaan and Gauri reached the sacred end of the bridge. Before them stood the Twin Bells of Paanchgiri — enormous, carved from ancient bronze and glowing faintly with celestial light. Each one was engraved with mantras of Mahadev, the cosmic protector.
Vihaan gently set Gauri down, his hands lingering for a heartbeat longer than necessary. Their eyes met — soft, wordless, yet full of trust and devotion. For a brief moment, the world felt still, as if holding its breath for them.
"Ready?" Vihaan asked quietly.
Gauri nodded, stepping toward her bell. "Always — when you're with me."
They both placed their palms on the cold, sacred metal.
Together, they closed their eyes and whispered reverently,
"Har Har Mahadev."
Then, in perfect synchrony, they drew back and struck the bells.
The sound that followed was not just a sound — it was divine energy unleashed.
The bells rang with a deep, resonating hum that trembled through the mountains, over rivers, through forests, and across the skies. The very earth seemed to glow under their feet as ripples of light spread outward.
At the Kothari Mansion, the family flinched as the tremor reached them.
The shimmering sound entered the grand hall like a wave of light — swirling around the protective circle Charvi had drawn.
The walkers, who moments ago had been snarling and thrashing against invisible walls, suddenly froze. The black haze clouding their eyes began to fade. Their breathing steadied. Confusion replaced the darkness as they looked around — human again, alive and aware.
Charvi gasped, hands over her mouth. "They're… they're normal again!"
Veena's eyes widened, tears welling. "The bells… Gauri and Vihaan did it!"
Dadi, trembling with emotion, folded her hands in prayer. "Mahadev ki kripa hum par bani rahe."
Even Sharda smiled through her tears. "Our children have done what even the gods would bless."
The light from the bells continued to flow through the mansion, cleansing every corner of the darkness Veer had unleashed.
And as the sound slowly faded, peace returned — but Veer's expression hardened in the background. His jaw clenched, and his eyes glowed faintly red.