Kaal Vansh – The Underground Abyss
A deep, hollow rumble echoed through the forbidden passages of Kaal Vansh as Taamsi descended into the lowest chamber — the place no creature willingly stepped into.
The air grew colder with every step she took.
Her anklets made a soft metallic sound…
ting… ting… ting…
echoing eerily in the silent, endless corridor.
Torches along the walls flickered violently as she passed, almost bowing to her presence.
At the end of the corridor stood a massive stone door etched with fox symbols… nine tails surrounding a crescent mark.
Chains were wrapped across the slab, glowing faintly with sealing magic.
Taamsi placed her palm on the door.
A surge of shadowy energy rippled outwards —
THUD.
THUD.
CRACK.
The shackles loosened.
The door opened slowly with a heavy, ancient creak.
Inside…
was pitch black.
Except for one thing.
A small circular prison made of runes floated at the center, spinning slowly like a cage woven from moonstone and shadows.
Inside it… suspended mid-air like a trapped spirit…
was a young woman.
Her silver-white hair floated around her like mist.
Her nine fox-tails were curled tightly around her as though sleeping, each one glowing faintly violet.
Her wrists and ankles were bound with rune-inscribed chains.
As Taamsi entered, the girl's eyelids fluttered open.
Purple eyes gleamed.
She smiled instantly…
a slow, mischievous curve…
followed by a soft giggle.
"Hehehehehe… Taamsi came all the way down here?"
Her voice echoed in the chamber like wind chimes dipped in mischief.
"What does the Shadow Witch want from poor imprisoned Dilruba?"
Taamsi stepped closer, her expression unreadable.
"I want your… talent."
Dilruba stretched her neck lazily, her chains clinking.
"Mmm… talent?"
Her eyes sparkled with cunning delight.
"And what will Dilruba get in return?"
She giggled again, tilting her head.
"Hehehehehe… freedom? Power? A new playground?"
Taamsi smiled — a cold, wicked smile.
"Your freedom."
The nine tails flared awake instantly, reacting like eager serpents.
Taamsi lifted her finger…
and from its tip, a single drop of black, molten blood formed — glowing like burning tar.
The moment Dilruba saw it, she shivered with excitement.
"Ooh… that's Kaal Vansh blood magic… Dilruba likes that…"
Taamsi flicked her wrist —
the blood drop flew through the air and touched the first shackle.
SSSSHHHHHHH!
The rune cracked.
Another flick.
Another drop.
Another shackle dissolved.
Slowly.
Painfully slowly.
The chains turned to smoke until—
CRASSSHH!
The entire cage shattered.
Dilruba floated upward, stretching her arms, her tails expanding behind her like blooming night-blooming flowers.
She inhaled deeply.
"Ahhh… freedom smells so sweet."
Her feet didn't touch the ground as she circled Taamsi playfully.
"Tell Dilruba… what chaos do you desire?"
Taamsi's voice was like a cold blade.
"The Shetty–Pratap mehendi.
Destroy it.
Break Kiara's peace.
Make sure not a single ritual completes."
Dilruba's grin widened until it touched her ears.
She bowed dramatically mid-air.
"As the Shadow Witch commands…"
Her tails curled mischievously.
"Dilruba will go. Dilruba will ruin everything."
The chamber dimmed as she burst into swirling purple smoke—
her giggles echoing long after she vanished.
"Hehehehehe… hehehehehe…"
Vikram stepped into the room, pausing for a moment when he saw Kajal helping Kiara adjust her dupatta.
There was a softness in his eyes — the kind that comes after finding something you thought you'd lost forever.
"Ready?" he asked, voice warm.
Kiara smiled, still holding her mother's hand.
Kajal brushed a small strand of hair away from Kiara's forehead, her touch full of the tenderness she had missed giving for fifteen long years.
Varun appeared in the doorway, leaning lightly against the frame as he watched them.
There was no rush, no urgency — just a quiet, content silence that filled the room like a blessing.
"Let's go," Varun finally said, his tone gentle.
The family walked out together — a picture that would have felt impossible just a day ago.
Outside, the morning sun cast a soft golden glow over the Shetty villa. Their luxurious car waited in front, polished and elegant. The driver opened the doors respectfully.
Kajal and Kiara took the backseat, their fingers still entwined.
Varun slid in beside them, a subtle protective presence.
Vikram settled in front, letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding — his family was whole again.
The driver shut the boot with a quiet thunk.
But no one noticed the faint ripple inside—
the shimmer of golden scales… shrinking.
The mighty five-headed serpent had already collapsed its enormous form, its heads merging into one.
In seconds, it shrank into a sleek, one-headed serpent, small enough to curl around a purse strap — yet its golden glow still pulsed with ancient power.
It lay hidden among the luggage, body coiled tightly… watching… waiting.
The car rolled out of the Shetty villa gates, carrying a reunited family toward the Pratap Singh mansion—
—and a secret no one imagined was traveling with them.