Aarav's nightmare

Aarav's eyes snapped open, his chest heaving. He was drenched in sweat, his sheets tangled around him. The darkness of his room seemed to close in.

It was just a dream, he told himself. But the vivid images lingered, haunting him.

He'd dreamed of Sarah, her eyes filled with tears and accusations. Sophia's sinister smile had seemed to sear itself into his brain. The feeling of guilt and betrayal still clung to him like a shroud.

Aarav threw off the covers and swung his legs over the side of the bed. His feet dangled in the air as he struggled to shake off the lingering fear.

He glanced at his alarm clock. 3:47 AM. The darkness outside seemed to press in on him.

Aarav stood up, padding barefoot to the kitchen. He needed a glass of water to clear his head.

As he drank, he couldn't shake the feeling that the nightmare had been more than just a product of his subconscious. It had felt... real.

Aarav's gaze fell on his phone. He hesitated for a moment before dialling Sophia's number.

The call went straight to voicemail.

Aarav's unease grew. Where was Sophia? And what was she planning?

The darkness outside seemed to grow thicker, more menacing.

Aarav knew he had to confront Sophia, to find out what was going on.

But as he stood there, the shadows cast by the moonlight seemed to twist and writhe around him.

He felt like he was staring into the abyss, with no safety net to catch him if he fell.

Aarav's heart skipped a beat as the doorbell pierced the silence. He froze, his eyes fixed on the door.

Who could be visiting at this ungodly hour?

Aarav's mind racing, he cautiously approached the door. He peered through the peephole, his heart sinking.

Sophia stood outside, her eyes gleaming with an unnerving intensity in the dim light.

Aarav's instincts screamed at him to stay back, to not let her in. But his curiosity got the better of him.

He took a deep breath, unlocked the door, and swung it open.

"Sophia, what are you doing here?" Aarav asked, trying to keep his tone neutral.

Sophia's smile was a thin, mirthless line. "We need to talk, Aarav."

Aarav's unease grew. What did Sophia want to discuss? And why did she look so... menacing?

"Come in," Aarav said finally, stepping aside to let Sophia enter.

As Sophia glided past him, Aarav caught a whiff of her perfume. It was sweet, yet somehow... off.

Aarav's instincts screamed at him to be careful. He had a feeling that this conversation was going to change everything.

_Sophia's Declaration_

Sophia's eyes gleamed with an unnerving intensity as she stepped into the living room. Aarav followed, his unease growing.

"Sophia, what's going on?" Aarav asked, trying to keep his tone neutral.

Sophia's smile was a thin, mirthless line. "I've come to talk about us, Aarav."

Aarav's confusion deepened. "Us?"

Sophia's gaze locked onto his. "Yes, us. I've realized that I'm in love with you, Aarav. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

Aarav's eyes widened in shock. He hadn't seen this coming.

"Sophia, I... I don't know what to say," Aarav stuttered.

Sophia's face fell, but she quickly recovered. "You don't have to say anything, Aarav. I know you feel the same way. We're meant to be together."

Aarav's discomfort grew. He didn't feel the same way. He had never considered Sophia in a romantic light.

"Sophia, I'm flattered, but—"

Sophia's eyes flashed. "Don't say anything, Aarav. Just listen. I've planned our entire future together. We'll get married, have kids... We'll be happy."

Aarav's unease turned to alarm. Sophia's words sounded more like a declaration of ownership than a proposal.

"Sophia, I think you're misunderstanding—"

Sophia's face twisted. "No, Aarav. I understand perfectly. You're just playing hard to get. But I know you'll come around. You have to."

Aarav's skin crawled. Sophia's intensity was unnerving.

"Sophia, I think we need to take a step back—"

Sophia's laughter sent shivers down Aarav's spine. "Oh, Aarav. You're so predictable. But don't worry, I'll wait for you. Forever, if need be."

As Sophia turned to leave, Aarav felt a chill run down his spine. He had a feeling that he was in grave danger.

To be continued...

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