The mansion didn't look like home anymore.
When Vihaan descended the stairs that night, the familiar golden glow of the Kothari residence had been replaced by a sultry crimson haze. Dark lights flickered like embers along the walls, shadows shifting to the rhythm of distant music. The living room had turned into something out of a dream—a place that belonged more to a midnight fantasy than reality.
And then his heart stopped.
On the center stage, beneath a cascade of red and violet, stood Gauri—draped in a deep red lehenga that shimmered like fire itself. Her anklets sang softly as she moved, her gaze finding Vihaan's through the haze. There was challenge in her eyes, and heartbreak too.
Hidden behind the curtains, the family watched tensely. This was their last hope—to awaken the man trapped inside the shadow.
The music swelled, and Gauri began to dance. Her voice, low and velvety, filled the air:
Thodi fursat bhi meri jaan kabhi
Baahon ko deejiye
Thodi fursat bhi meri jaan kabhi
Baahon ko deejiye
Her movements were slow at first, almost teasing. Vihaan stood frozen, his eyes never leaving her. She circled him like a flame drawing a moth.
Aaj ki raat maza husn ka
Aankhon se leejiye
Aaj ki raat maza husn ka
Aankhon se leejiye
Each word was a dare, each glance a spark. Gauri twirled closer, her dupatta brushing against his chest, her perfume enveloping him. Vihaan's breath hitched—something within him stirred, the man beneath Sarvansh clawing to the surface.
Waqt barbaad na bin baat ki
Baaton mein keejiye
Waqt barbaad na bin baat ki
Baaton mein keejiye
He took a hesitant step toward her. Gauri smiled faintly, eyes gleaming under the red light.
Aaj ki raat maza husn ka
Aankhon se leejiye
Aaj ki raat maza husn ka
Aankhon se leejiye
She danced around him again, swaying like water in rhythm with her own heartbeat.
O...
Jaan ki qurbaani
Le le dilbar jaani
Tabaahi pakki hai
Aag tu main paani
Her bangles chimed as she spun, the hem of her lehenga swirling like flame. Vihaan's eyes softened, his hand twitching as if to reach for her.
Jaan ki qurbaani
Le le dilbar jaani
Tabaahi pakki hai
Aag tu main paani
The air between them throbbed with unspoken emotion. Vihaan took another step closer, his expression almost human again—almost himself.
Mere mehboob samajhiye zara
Mauqe ki nazaakat
Mere mehboob samajhiye zara
Mauqe ki nazaakat
Gauri smiled faintly through tears she didn't show, her voice quivering with strength.
Ke khareedi nahin jaa sakti
Haseenon ki ijaazat
Ke khareedi nahin jaa sakti
Haseenon ki ijaazat
The family exchanged hopeful glances behind the curtains—something was working. Vihaan's eyes followed Gauri with yearning, his expression softening.
Naaz itna .. Meri jaan
Naaz itna bhi nahin
Khokhle vaadon pe keejiye
And then, as if in answer to her call, he took one step toward her—only for the earth itself to tremble.
Aaj ki raat maza husn ka
Aankhon se leejiye
Aaj ki raat maza husn ka
Aankhon se leejiye
The chandelier above swayed violently. The speakers cracked with static. Gauri's rhythm faltered as the entire floor shuddered beneath her feet.
O...
Jaan ki qurbaani
Le le dilbar jaani
Tabaahi pakki hai
Aag tu main paani
A thunderous crack split the marble tiles. Gauri stumbled and fell forward—Vihaan rushed instinctively, catching her just before she hit the ground.
The music died.
From the doorway, a soft, venomous laugh echoed.
Mohini.
Her shadow slid along the walls as she stepped in, eyes glowing like embers.
"Did you really think," she sneered, "that a few cheap lights and mortal songs could save him from me?"
Vihaan still held Gauri in his arms—torn between two worlds, two souls—while the family, hidden and terrified, watched as the night's fragile illusion shattered into chaos.