EP-4
Preeti stared at her phone screen, lips parted, heart pounding.
Aarav: “Can you please come? Just for a minute. I’m not okay, Preeti...”
Aarav: “Riyan beat me up today. Said things. He hates me. But why take it out on me just because I love you?”
Aarav: “Please… You’re the only one I want to see right now.”
She clutched the phone tighter.
Aarav loved her?
She didn’t know what to feel—her chest tightened with confusion, guilt, and something else… concern.
Yes, he had flirted endlessly. Yes, he made her blush every damn time.
But did he… really love her?
Her eyes flickered with hesitation.
She didn’t want to believe Riyan was capable of hitting someone so violently.
But Riyan hated her. Maybe this was just another way to ruin her life.
She bit her lip. Aarav sounded hurt. What if he was bleeding? What if he needed help?
With shaky fingers, she texted:
Preeti: “I’m on my way.”
At Aarav’s Apartment
The door creaked open slowly.
Preeti Sharma/FL
“Aarav?” she called softly, stepping inside the dim living room.
Aarav sat on the couch, shirt slightly torn, bandage sloppily wrapped on his hand. A bruise was forming on his cheekbone.
When he looked up, his expression melted into something… desperate.
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
“You came.” he whispered.
Preeti Sharma/FL
She nodded, unsure. “Are you okay? I… I brought ointment—”
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
“I don’t need that.” he said, voice low. “I just… needed you.”
She paused, her heart stammering at his intense gaze.
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
“This is all because of him,” he said bitterly. “He always hated you. But now… just because I said I loved you—he turned into a monster.”
Preeti Sharma/FL
“I-I didn’t know he’d get violent…”
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
He stood up, slowly, limping a bit—just enough to seem pitiful. “He doesn’t care about anyone but himself. He just wants to hurt people. Especially the ones who make you smile.”
Preeti Sharma/FL
She looked away, confused. “But you’re his best friend…”
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
He gave a broken laugh. “Not anymore. Not after today. Because I chose you.”
Preeti Sharma/FL
She blinked, stunned. “You… chose me?”
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
His voice softened. “I don’t care if we were enemies. I saw the way you looked at me, Preeti. I feel it too. I’ve always felt it. Riyan just doesn’t want us together.”
Her hands trembled slightly.
Something felt off.
But his eyes—those eyes she once crushed on—were pleading. And she… couldn’t just walk away.
Preeti Sharma/FL
She whispered, “I should go…”
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
But he stepped forward. “Just sit for a while. Please. I promise I won’t touch you. I just… need someone tonight.”
And like the fool her heart was being, she nodded.
Not knowing…
That someone else had already found out she came here.
And he was on his way.
With blood in his eyes.
Preeti sat stiffly on the edge of the couch, clutching her bag like a shield. The lights were dim, too dim, and the room smelled faintly of cologne and deceit.
Aarav sat beside her—too close.
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
“So… you really came,” he said, voice low, eyes scanning her face. “I didn’t think you’d care this much.”
Preeti Sharma/FL
“I didn’t come for anything else. I just wanted to know if you were okay.” she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
“You always care too much.” He leaned in slightly. “That’s what makes you so... special.”
She shifted away a little, but he gently grabbed her hand.
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
“Don’t be scared. I won’t hurt you.”
Preeti Sharma/FL
Her throat tightened. “Aarav—please…”
But his fingers grazed her arm.
Then her thigh.
She flinched.
Preeti Sharma/FL
“Aarav,” she warned, voice sharper now, “don’t.”
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “C’mon, Preeti. You blushed every time I flirted. I thought you liked me touching you.”
Preeti Sharma/FL
Her heart raced. “Flirting and this? They’re not the same. Let me go.”
But his hand crept higher, bolder.
And her fear turned into pure panic.
Preeti Sharma/FL
“Aarav, I swear—I’ll scream—”
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
His grip tightened for a second. “You’re overreacting—”
But that’s when the door slammed open.
Riyan malhotra/ML
“GET YOUR FILTHY HANDS OFF HER!”
Riyan’s voice was thunder.
Preeti gasped as Aarav jerked away. She turned toward the door, stunned—Riyan was standing there, jaw clenched, eyes burning red with fury. He looked like a man seconds away from murder.
Preeti Sharma/FL
“Riyan—” her voice broke, tears brimming in her eyes.
But Riyan didn’t look at her.
He charged.
And within seconds—
Aarav was on the ground, blood pouring from his lip, his jaw twisted sideways.
Riyan malhotra/ML
“You dare touch her?” He growled, landing another blow. “YOU DARE?!”
Aarav tried to fight back, but Riyan was a storm—unrelenting, merciless.
Riyan malhotra/ML
“You think pretending to love her would work?”
Riyan malhotra/ML
“You think she’s just a toy?”
Riyan malhotra/ML
“You’re dead to me, Aarav."
Crash.
Aarav hit the coffee table and collapsed, wheezing.
Riyan finally turned to Preeti.
She was frozen, breathing hard, eyes wide with fear and shame.
But he walked up to her—slowly—and gently took off his jacket, wrapping it around her trembling shoulders.
Riyan malhotra/ML
“Come on,” he said softly. “You’re safe now.”
She nodded, tears sliding down her cheek.
But behind her, Aarav lay on the floor—groaning, bloodied, and defeated.
The truth was out.
And Riyan?
He had just declared war.
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