Later that night, after the last of the guests—including the Rathores—had departed, Raizada Villa slowly settled into an uneasy quiet. The echoes of celebration faded, replaced by the soft crackle of dying diyas and the distant hum of night insects.
Vedshree stood near the window, her face thoughtful, almost conflicted. After a brief hesitation, she reached for her phone and dialed a number she had memorized long ago.
The call connected.
"Yes, Vedshree," Tabeezi's calm yet grave voice came through. "Tell me."
Vedshree exhaled slowly. "We performed the test exactly as you instructed. The flower buds bloomed… and the diyas lit on their own." She paused, as if weighing the truth in her own heart. "Ruby was present. According to the signs… she is Rivanshi."
There was a brief silence on the other end—measured, calculating.
"That is good," Tabeezi finally said. "Very good."
Vedshree's grip tightened around the phone. "So… what should we do next?"
"The wedding must not be delayed," Tabeezi replied firmly. "Once the signs awaken, darkness follows close behind." Her voice lowered. "Soon, the daayans will begin to lurk. They will sense the Daavansh and move faster than before."
Vedshree's eyes drifted toward the mandir, where the shivlingam still gleamed faintly in the moonlight. "Then we'll proceed," she said, resolve settling in her voice. "For Arnav's protection… and for the family."
"Good," Tabeezi said. "Keep faith in Mahadev. And stay alert—what has been set in motion cannot be undone."
The call ended.
Vedshree remained still for a long moment, unease curling in her chest—unaware that the true Rivanshi had already crossed their threshold… and walked away.
As the call ended, silence reclaimed Tabeezi's apartment. The lamps flickered once, reacting to the shift in energy, and Tabeezi's eyes hardened—not with relief, but suspicion.
She turned slowly toward the shadows of the room.
"How is it possible," she asked quietly, almost to herself, "that Ruby passed the test… when she is not Rivanshi?"
From the adjoining room, a figure stepped forward.
Siya.
Her face was calm, but her eyes held the certainty of someone who knew the truth long before it unfolded.
"It's possible, Mom," Siya said evenly, "as long as the real Rivanshi was present."
Tabeezi's gaze snapped to her. "Was she there?"
Siya nodded once. "Yes. Pranati received an order. She went to the Raizada Villa."
For the first time, something flickered across Tabeezi's face—confirmation mixed with dread.
"So Mahadev's signs responded to her," Tabeezi murmured. "Not Ruby."
"Yes," Siya replied. "The flowers bloomed because Pranati crossed the threshold. The diyas lit because she stood near them."
A pause followed—heavy, loaded.
Then Siya asked the question she had been holding back.
"Mom… if we both know who Rivanshi truly is, why aren't you telling the family?" Her voice softened, but the weight of accusation remained. "Why are you letting them believe Ruby is the answer… when Pranati is being pulled into this unknowingly?"
Tabeezi closed her eyes for a brief moment, as though invoking Shiva's patience.
"Because," she said at last, opening them again, "the truth revealed too early becomes a death sentence."
Siya frowned. "For whom?"
"For Rivanshi," Tabeezi answered. "And for the Daavansh she is destined to protect."
She turned toward the window, where the moon hung pale and watchful.
"The daayans are already stirring," Tabeezi continued. "If they learn who Rivanshi truly is before she awakens to her power… Pranati will not survive long enough to fulfill her destiny."
Siya's jaw tightened. "So you're letting the family walk toward a lie—"
"—to shield the truth," Tabeezi interrupted gently but firmly. "For now."
A distant rumble of thunder echoed, though the sky was clear.
"Mahadev will decide when Rivanshi must rise," Tabeezi said. "Until then, Pranati must remain unseen… even if it means the world believes someone else wears her crown."
Siya looked away, conflicted, whispering almost to herself, "And Arnav…"
Tabeezi didn't answer—but the silence said enough.
Some destinies could not be rushed.
Some bonds would awaken only through pain.