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Chapter 214 - Episode 214:An encounter

Outside the ruins of the resort, the air still crackled with fading traces of Gauri's magic. Smoke curled upward where the grand building once stood, and the family stood dazed among the scattered debris.

With a flick of his wrist, Vihaan conjured a sleek black SUV from thin air. The vehicle shimmered into existence with a soft hum of magic. The family hurried inside, still trembling but grateful to be safe.

Gauri slid into the front seat beside Vihaan, brushing damp strands of hair from her face. As Vihaan started the car, the hum of the engine filled the heavy silence. Gauri exhaled deeply, leaning back with a faint smile.

"Tell me something," she said, turning to him with mock seriousness.

Vihaan kept his eyes on the road. "Hmm? What is it?"

"What's the need for you to work?" she asked, gesturing at the car around them. "I mean, when you can make a luxury car appear out of thin air — something people spend millions on — then why bother being a police officer? You could just magic up a mansion, gold bars, a yacht…"

Vihaan shot her an amused glance, one eyebrow arching. "So, Mrs. Kothari wants me to become a full-time magician?"

Gauri folded her arms, pretending to think. "Not magician — entrepreneur of convenience. You could open your own 'Magic Motors: Appearing Cars Guaranteed' business."

Vihaan chuckled, shaking his head. "Maybe. But then who will uphold the law? Magic can create things, Gauri — but it can't replace purpose."

Gauri smiled faintly at that, her expression softening. "Purpose, huh? You and your noble heart. Sometimes I think you were born with a badge."

"And you," Vihaan said, glancing at her with a grin, "were born to argue with me in every lifetime."

Gauri laughed, her earlier tension fading into warmth as the car sped down the misty forest road.

A thick curtain of fog rolled suddenly across the forest road, swallowing the path ahead in a pale, ghostly white. Vihaan narrowed his eyes, slowing the car.

"Strange," he muttered, switching on the high beams. "There wasn't any fog a minute ago."

Before Gauri could reply, a shadow flickered across the headlights — too close.

"Vihaan, look out!" she shouted.

Vihaan swerved, but it was too late — the car thudded softly against something human-shaped. He hit the brakes, the SUV jerking to a halt.

Everyone inside gasped.

"Are you all right?" Dadi's trembling voice came from the back seat. "What was that?"

Vihaan's heart raced as he opened the door. "Stay inside," he instructed firmly. "I'll check."

Gauri, unwilling to listen, got out beside him. Sharda followed close, her face etched with worry. The fog curled around them, their breath visible in the cold air.

They approached the figure — a young man, lying sprawled across the wet road. His clothes were torn, dirt smeared across his face, but his chest moved faintly.

"He's still breathing," Gauri said, kneeling down, her voice gentle. "Vihaan, help me lift him a little—"

But Sharda had gone still, her eyes widening in disbelief. Her fingers trembled as she brushed aside his collar, revealing a small dark birthmark near his throat. Her eyes widened — recognition striking her like lightning.

"No…" she whispered, her voice breaking. "It… it isn't possible."

Vihaan frowned. "Bade maa, what is it?"

Sharda didn't answer — she moved with urgency, crouching beside the young man and lifting his right foot, her fingers trembling as she turned it slightly. On the back of his heel was a small, jagged scar, old and distinct.

Her eyes welled up with tears. "This scar…" she breathed. "He got it when he was ten… climbing the backyard wall to chase a kite…"

Gauri and Vihaan exchanged stunned looks as Sharda pressed a shaking hand to her mouth, tears now streaming freely.

"This boy…" she whispered, her voice breaking into a sob. "This isn't a stranger…"

She looked up at them, her words trembling with disbelief and emotion.

"This is Veer… my son."

Gauri's eyes widened in shock, while Vihaan froze, his mind reeling.

"Veer…?" Vihaan echoed, his voice barely a whisper.

The fog swirled heavier around them, as if the forest itself was holding its breath — and the truth they never expected had finally returned to haunt them.

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