The morning light streamed softly through the curtains of the Kothari mansion, bringing a deceptive calm after the chaos of the previous day. The entire family had gathered in the living room, the air thick with both curiosity and unease.
Charvi was the last to arrive, walking slowly down the staircase. Gauri immediately stood up, worry softening her features as she went to her. "Did you take your medicine?" she asked gently, brushing a strand of hair from Charvi's face.
Charvi smiled faintly. "Yes, Didi. And besides, I'm completely recovered."
Gauri sighed. "You'll stop taking your medicine only when the doctor confirms your body has fully accepted the heart."
Charvi nodded, knowing there was no point arguing with her sister's protective tone.
Vihaan cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "I know you must be wondering why I called everyone downstairs this early."
Sharda adjusted her shawl, looking up from her seat. "Exactly, Vihaan. What's the reason?"
Vihaan's expression grew serious. "Because even though Gauri ended Kamini's terror, the danger isn't over yet."
Veena leaned forward, alarm flashing in her eyes. "What do you mean, Vihaan? Are you saying Kamini is still alive?"
Vihaan shook his head firmly. "No. Kamini doesn't attack from the shadows. She was many things, but never a coward."
Across the room, Veer's jaw tightened ever so slightly — an almost invisible flicker of offense crossing his face before he masked it with a polite smile.
Vihaan continued, his tone deepening. "First, it was the venom bearers at the resort. Then the walkers. And finally, the red moon. Someone is deliberately targeting this family… and doing it from the dark."
The family exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of his words sinking in.
Yug crossed his arms, letting out a dramatic sigh. "I knew something like this would happen."
Everyone turned to look at him, puzzled.
"What?" he asked innocently. "Haven't you all ever watched soap operas? One villain is never enough. So the producers always bring in a new one. I knew that after Kamini, the producer of this universe would surely send another villain!"
Sharda gave him a disapproving look while Raani shook her head, trying not to smile.
Vihaan pinched the bridge of his nose. "Shut up, Yug. This isn't a serial—it's a serious matter."
Yug muttered under his breath, "Well, it feels like one sometimes."
Gauri turned to Vihaan, her tone thoughtful. "The real issue right now is to find out who this new enemy is… but how can we?"
Charvi spoke softly, her expression clouded. "If Nani knew about this enemy, she would have sent me a message. But she hasn't… which means even she doesn't know."
The room fell silent, the weight of her words settling like mist over the family.
The morning sun shimmered faintly on the white marble floor of the Kothari mansion when an unfamiliar breeze swept through the house. The curtains fluttered violently, and the doors creaked open on their own.
A dazzling light poured in from outside — and from within it, a woman descended gracefully, her gown shimmering like moonlight, her silver hair flowing behind her. Her presence was cold yet ethereal.
The family froze where they stood.
Gauri instinctively moved closer to Vihaan, while Sharda, Veena, and the others formed a protective line behind them.
"Who are you?" Vihaan asked, his voice firm but wary.
The woman's crimson eyes glowed faintly as she stepped inside. "Did you break the red moon?" she asked, her tone smooth but heavy with power.
Yug blinked rapidly, raising his hand awkwardly. "We didn't even break a—"
Before he could finish, Vihaan said steadily, "I did it."
Gauri lifted her chin. "Me too."
Laila's expression darkened. "You don't care for it? You knew my sleep would shatter if the red moon was destroyed — and yet you dared to do it?"
Gauri met her glare unflinchingly. "We did it for our family. And we'll do it again if needed."
A sharp silence followed — until Laila suddenly smiled. She stepped forward, and to everyone's shock, opened her arms and embraced both Vihaan and Gauri.
The entire family stood stunned.
"Th… thank you," Laila whispered, her voice echoing like chimes. "I was asleep for a thousand years. You freed me from my slumber."
Yug blinked in disbelief and muttered, "Wait… that's it? And here we thought she was coming to wage a war."
Laila's lips curved faintly.
Gauri's voice softened. "We did it for our family."
Laila turned to her, her expression unreadable. "And in the process, you ended up freeing me."