Story

THE RED ROOM OF MY LOVE

“Raavi!” Aarav’s scream tore through the air, raw and anguished. He caught her as she fell, his arms wrapping around her trembling body. “No! Raavi, no! Why did you step in front of me? Why?” Raavi’s breath came in shallow gasps, her hand clutching her stomach where the bullet had struck. Blood seeped through her fingers, staining her clothes. Her eyes fluttered, struggling to stay open as she looked up at Aarav. “Aarav… I couldn’t let him hurt you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I… I had to protect you…” Tears streamed down Aarav’s face as he cradled her in his arms, his heart shattering into a million pieces. “No, Raavi, no! Open your eyes, baby. Please, stay with me. Don’t close your eyes. Please, Raavi, don’t leave me!” But Raavi’s eyelids grew heavier, her breathing more labored. Her hand reached up weakly, brushing against Aarav’s cheek. “Aarav… I love you…” she murmured, her voice fading. “Raavi, no! Please, don’t go! Raavi, open your eyes! Please!” Aarav’s voice broke, his sobs echoing in the night. He held her tightly, as if he could keep her with him through sheer willpower. But her body grew still, her hand slipping from his cheek. “Raavi… no… no… please…” Aarav’s voice was a broken whisper, his tears falling onto her pale face. He buried his face in her hair, his heart aching with a pain he had never known. “I can’t lose you… I can’t…”

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