The jungle canopy gave way to a sudden clearing, and before them stretched a vast ocean, its surface glittering under the afternoon sun. Waves lapped at the shore, and no bridge or path could be seen.
Angad stepped forward, squinting. "Uh… how do we cross this? There's no bridge."
Yuvaan leaned casually against a boulder, arms crossed, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. "It's quite easy."
Kiara narrowed her eyes. "It's quite easy for you, because you have powers. You can just fly or vanish across."
Angad snorted. "Sister-in-law is right. You always make it look so effortless."
Yuvaan raised a finger, cutting them off. "Hold your lectures. Let me finish before you start bashing me." He glanced at the water, his tone taking on a more serious note. "See this river? Even I can't fly across it."
Kiara blinked, incredulous. "Wait… what? You can't? How is that possible?"
Angad's jaw dropped. "No way. Even you, Yuvaan?"
Yuvaan nodded solemnly. "It's the rule of this river. It doesn't care who you are. No magic, no power… nothing can let you bypass it."
Kiara furrowed her brows. "And this river is called…?"
"The River of True Happiness," Yuvaan said quietly, his eyes scanning the sparkling waves.
Kiara repeated the words, tasting them. "True happiness…"
Yuvaan continued, his voice firm yet soft. "To cross it, you have to truly recall your happiest memories. A bridge will form if your heart is pure and sincere. If not… you sink. And sink. And sink… until you—" He spread his arms dramatically, imitating death, and smirked at their horrified expressions.
Kiara shook her head, feeling the weight of his words. "So this isn't about strength or magic. It's… about heart."
Yuvaan smirked. "Exactly. Your mind can trick your body, but your heart? The river doesn't lie."
Angad groaned. "Great… so basically we're walking on feelings now?"
Kiara chuckled despite the tension. "Well, brother-in-law, I guess we better start remembering our happiest moments then… before we become fish food."
Yuvaan leaned back on his heels, watching them with an amused glint. "Good. That's the spirit. And don't forget, the bridge only answers the truth in your heart. No lies. No pretending."
The three of them stood at the edge of the river, the water reflecting the sunlight, shimmering as if waiting for their memories to build the path across.
The River of True Happiness shimmered before them, its vast waters rippling under the sun. Kiara took a deep breath and stepped forward.
"I'll go first," she said, her voice steady but soft. She closed her eyes, letting her mind drift back to the moments that brought her genuine joy.
She remembered running through the fields of her childhood with Varun, their laughter echoing through the air. Then she recalled warm evenings with Vikram, quiet dinners, and playful teasing. Slowly, a stepping stone began to form beneath her feet, glowing faintly as if acknowledging the sincerity of her heart.
Angad's eyes widened. "It's… magical."
Kiara stepped onto the stone. Memories of her small arguments with Yuvaan, their innocent laughter, and tender moments of friendship and companionship with Anya flowed through her mind. Each memory reinforced the stepping stones, connecting her across the shimmering river.
Angad watched in awe. "Yes… sister-in-law… she did it!"
He took a deep breath. "Now God help me." Closing his eyes, Angad called upon his happiest memories—playful moments with Kiara, laughter with Yuvaan, his brotherly bond, and the secret warmth he felt thinking of Mishka. One by one, the stones formed beneath his feet, carrying him steadily across the river.
Yuvaan leaned back against a tree, arms crossed, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Seems I'm going to die of boredom."
Kiara shot him a sharp glance. "Do you not have a single happy memory? Close your eyes, Yuvaan. Now."
He huffed dramatically. "Okay, teacher." Slowly, Yuvaan shut his eyes. Memories of his childhood trauma flashed first—the cruel moments when fake Susheela (Taamsi) tormented him, being locked in the dark room by Riddhi and Aakash. He sank beneath the surface, the water of the river rising threateningly.
Kiara gasped. "Yuvaan! I love you!" Her voice rang clear and strong across the river.
A sudden warmth spread through him. For the first time, he felt a fluster of happiness. Childhood memories softened—moments with his mother Bhoomi, despite her mental struggles; the rare love he received from Angad and Moti Baa; even playful times with his siblings. Gradually, he smiled.
Memories of Kiara—her courage, her laughter, the times they teased each other—flooded his heart. The stepping stones began to form, glowing brighter than ever.
With each step, the river receded beneath him. The light of true happiness shone stronger, carrying him forward. And finally, Yuvaan crossed, standing beside Kiara and Angad, a faint smile on his face.
Kiara opened her eyes, relieved, and placed a hand on his shoulder. "See? Even you can be happy, Yuvaan."
He chuckled softly, his eyes reflecting both mischief and warmth. "I guess… even a warlock king needs a little happiness now and then."
The three of them looked at the river behind them, now calm, knowing that the next steps of their journey would demand all the strength, wit, and courage they could muster.