The golden aura around her began to pulse, faint at first, then growing brighter, extending to the others standing behind her. Their eyes reflected the same resolve, and Gauri continued:
"We do not fight for vengeance. We fight because the world deserves hope. We fight because the innocent cannot be silenced. And we fight because love—love that binds family, friends, and humanity—is stronger than any darkness, stronger than any daayan, stronger than Sarvansh himself!"
She closed her eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply, then opened them again, their intensity like sunlight piercing storm clouds:
"Hear me, all who worship evil, who delight in destruction! Your black powers cannot touch us today. For we are guided, protected, and blessed by the very divinity that created this world. You may try to awaken Pralay, you may summon chaos, but know this—the true strength lies not in fear, but in faith! And I… I am Jal Shakti incarnate, the voice of the gods on earth, and the protector of all that is just!"
Her words reverberated, carrying over the canopy and into the hearts of her family. One by one, they raised their hands, chanting along with her, their devotion blending with hers. The golden aura grew into blinding light, and the Pratham Jaal trembled, reacting to the energy of their faith.
The Pratham Vanshi, her hands raised to the heavens, began chanting in an ancient tongue. The Pratham Jaal glowed fiercely, pulsing with the rhythm of life itself. Slowly, it transformed—its threads unraveling into a shimmering rain that cascaded over the world.
Rain began to fall—not ordinary rain, but divine water infused with the blessings of Devi Maa herself. Flames across cities, villages, and streets hissed and vanished beneath the cascading torrents. Darkness recoiled. Even Mohini and her daayans paused, eyes widening at the unstoppable power of belief manifesting through unity.
"This is our truth!" Gauri shouted, voice breaking through the storm. "We are not powerless. Our faith is our weapon, our devotion is our shield, and our hearts are the vessels of the gods! Today, Pralay may rise, but it will fall before our courage. Today, evil may strike, but it will crumble before our righteousness! Stand with me, my family! Stand with me, and let the gods show you the true meaning of divine justice!"
"No… this cannot be!" Mohini screamed, fury laced with panic.
With a swirl of black smoke, Mohini and her Dayans retreated, vanishing into the shadows from which they had emerged. The jungle grew still once more, broken only by the gentle patter of divine rain.
The rain intensified, silver droplets glowing with holy light as the Pratham Jaal fully activated, spreading salvation throughout the lands.
Gauri lowered her hands slowly, chest heaving, but her eyes still burned with unrelenting determination. Around her, her family—Veena, Sharda, Dadi, Urvashi, Charvi, and Yug—stood renewed, their faith rekindled, hearts strengthened, ready to face whatever darkness awaited.
The Pralay had been halted, but the final battle loomed. And Gauri, the living vessel of divine will, was ready to face it.
The Pratham Vanshi trembled, her body weakened by the surge of divine energy. Charvi caught her in her arms, sobbing uncontrollably as the ancient guardian slumped against her chest. Gauri knelt beside them, gently brushing a strand of silver hair from the Vanshi's face.
"Rest… you've done enough," Gauri whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
The Pratham Vanshi lifted a frail hand, gripping Gauri's with surprising strength. "Child… listen… though the Dayans may be slowed… the war… the war is far from over. You… must awaken your inner weapon… your true power… before it's too late."
Her eyes flickered with faint blue light, then dimmed, leaving Gauri staring at her, the weight of responsibility pressing heavily on her chest.
---
Meanwhile, at the Kothari mansion, Vihaan's eyes snapped open. Darkness clung to him like a second skin, and a cruel smile curved his lips. Mohini leaned close, her voice soft but laced with menace.
"They tried to stop you," she whispered, "Jalpanchi, the Kotharis… even the Pratham Vanshi herself. All have failed."
Vihaan's gaze darkened, his aura thrumming with raw power. "Yes," he said, his voice steady, chilling in its calm. "I have absorbed the Jal Mani… Jalpanchi's power flows through me. The Firebird… the Waterbird… and now Sarvansh's strength courses through my veins. I am invincible. And Gauri… I will destroy you the moment I strike."
Mohini's laughter echoed through the hall like the hiss of a serpent. "She cannot stop you now. Not with her feeble human heart… not when Sarvansh stands fully awakened."
Vihaan flexed his fingers, a surge of energy radiating outward, the room trembling under the weight of his dark power. Every shadow seemed to bend toward him, every corner filled with the promise of annihilation.
And somewhere, far away in the jungle, Gauri could feel it—the storm was coming, and the world would soon tremble before Sarvansh Raj.
The jungle was alive with an eerie silence, broken only by the rustle of leaves underfoot. Gauri's chest heaved as she gripped the Pratham Jaal in her hands, her eyes flickering with fear and determination. Doubt gnawed at her—how could she fight Vihaan without her Jal Shakti, against the Pralay and the Dayans?
Dadi's hand rested gently on her shoulder, her gaze steady and unwavering. "Gauri, your greatest strength has never been in magic," she said softly. "It lies here." She pressed her palm to Gauri's chest. "In your heart… and in the love you carry for everyone here. That love… it will protect you when nothing else can."
Sharda stepped forward, her voice firm, carrying the weight of certainty. "You are destined to defeat him, Gauri. No curse, no daayan, no power can overcome the strength of a soul chosen by the gods."
Gauri drew a deep breath, letting their words anchor her, filling her with warmth in the cold, dark night.
Meanwhile, somewhere distant yet connected through the currents of dark magic, Mohini's voice rang out like thunder. "Kill them, Sarvansh! Destroy everything they hold dear!"