The final beat of the song echoed through the hall, and for a moment everyone simply stood there—breathless, smiling, glowing from the infectious energy of the dance.
And then the entire room burst into applause.
Guests clapped loudly, some cheering, some whistling in appreciation of the fun-filled performance. A few cousins shouted playful comments, while elders laughed and nodded, delighted to see the youngsters pulling everyone—even the couple—into such joyful chaos.
The applause swelled, warm and enthusiastic, echoing against the high ceilings of the Pratap Singh mansion. Several guests praised the couple's chemistry, saying how lively and radiant Yuvaan and Kiara looked together.
Kiara, cheeks flushed and eyes shining, tried to tuck back a loose strand of hair as she caught her breath. Yuvaan was still holding her hand, grinning with that teasing pride only he could pull off.
The clapping continued for long moments, wrapping the couple in a blanket of admiration and celebration, as if the entire gathering had paused to bless them with happiness for the life they were about to begin.
Meanwhile, far away from the laughter and music of the Pratap Singh mansion, a heavy silence hung over Kaal Vansh.
Inside the cavernous chamber, the blood pool shimmered like molten crimson under the dark torches. Its surface rippled—not from wind, but from the fury rising within the figure watching it.
Taamsi stood over the pool, her eyes burning as visions of Yuvaan and Kiara's joyful dance played out on the surface.
The couple smiling…
The guests clapping…
The elders blessing them…
The music, the light, the love—
All of it stabbed through Taamsi like a poisoned dagger.
Her long claws tightened around the edge of the stone basin. A hiss escaped her throat, low and simmering.
"So much happiness," she whispered, her voice trembling with rage. "So much light… while the darkness that should have been his destiny slips further away."
The blood pool reacted to her fury, bubbling violently as if boiling from within. Shadows crept up the walls, gathering behind her like loyal soldiers.
Taamsi's lips curled into a snarl.
"That girl," she spat, Kiara's smiling face reflecting in the red water. "She keeps pulling him into the world of mortals… distracting him… weakening the power of the serpent within."
Her eyes glowed a deeper red.
"If I cannot drag Yuvaan to the darkness… then the darkness will go to him."
The flames around the chamber shot higher, crackling like they had received her command.
Taamsi lifted her hand, tracing a circle in the air. The shadows swirled, forming the shape of a monstrous silhouette—a creature of the night, born from the blood and anger of the Kaal Vansh realm.
Her smile twisted into something chilling.
"Let their engagement begin," she murmured. "I will make sure it doesn't end the way they dream."
The blood pool rippled again, this time reflecting not joy…
but an omen of terror approaching the mortal world.
Aakash walked to the center of the stage, tapping the mic lightly. The hall quieted instantly. Warm lights washed over the gathering, the scent of fresh flowers lingering in the air.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Aakash announced with a proud, mischievous smile, "before we begin the official engagement ceremony… our couple would like to share something special with all of you."
The guests murmured in excitement.
He turned toward Yuvaan and Kiara.
"So, lovebirds… the stage is yours."
A soft cheer moved through the crowd as Kiara and Yuvaan stepped forward, hand in hand. The lights dimmed, and a gentle spotlight followed them to the center of the stage.
Kiara looked radiant, her lehenga shimmering with every step.
Yuvaan, in his dark blue sherwani, carried that silent intensity… that quiet villainous charm.
They faced each other.
A brief pause.
A deep breath.
Then the music rose—soft, melodic, intimate.
Kiara was the first to sing, her voice trembling slightly but filled with emotion.
"Naata mera teri rooh se
aise juda hai yeh
ke kya kahe…
bhaye koi aur na re…"
Yuvaan's gaze softened, the world around him melting away.
He stepped closer, his voice joining hers—rich, deep, unmistakably magnetic.
"Dono milke chalte hai na
sapno mein hi rehte hai na
sirf tu… main ho jahan re…"
Their hands met again.
Fingers interlocking naturally.
Guests watched with quiet smiles, enchanted by the chemistry radiating between them.
Kiara circled slowly around him as she sang, her eyes lingering on his face.
Yuvaan reached out, catching her wrist gently as he sang the next line, his tone dripping with devotion.
"Haath mein ho haath tera…
chutte kabhi na saath tera…
mujhko aisa tu bhi vaada de…"
The beats softened.
The lights warmed.
And together, their voices blended in perfect harmony.
"Saathiya mere main toh tera
deewana hoon…
saare jahaan se begaana hoon…
meri dhunon ka tarana tu…"
Yuvaan twirled Kiara gracefully, his sherwani sweeping the floor.
Her laughter rang like glass bells, light and glowing.
"Saathiya mere main toh tera
deewana hoon…
saare jahaan se begaana hoon…
meri dhunon ka tarana tu…"
They leaned their foreheads together, the entire hall turning into a blur behind them.
Kiara's voice softened as she sang the final stanza:
"Khoobsurat raat yeh
hai saath tera maange
dil yeh mera khush rehta hai
bas saath tera paake…"
Yuvaan held her closer, his thumb brushing her cheek.
"Teri khushboo jaise jaadu
tere baad bhi reh jaati hai…
main mangun uss Rab se
tujhe har dua mein hi… har dua…"
The music swelled.
Their voices blended one last time—soft but powerful.
"Saathiya mere… main toh tera
deewana hoon…
saare jahaan se begaana hoon…
meri dhunon ka tarana tu…"
As the final note faded, Yuvaan pressed a soft kiss to Kiara's knuckles.
The guests erupted into applause—loud, warm, heartfelt.
Their first performance together…
and they had set the entire hall glowing.