RANJISH

23. Reality checks (Part-I)

Armaan managed to clutch him around the chest and shoulder, preventing him from hitting the hard marble. But Aru's body went limp, heavy, and unresponsive.

Armaan shocked and panicked - ARUU??

in his shock state armaan was not even realising that he was calling him as Aru...

Raisinghaniya Mansion

The moment Aru collapsed a lifeless weight falling suddenly into Armaan’s arms the entire household erupted in a wave of shock and panicked activity.
Armaan stood motionless for a split second, the heavy, limp body of the boy pressed against his chest. His consciousness was entirely bypassed by a primal, protective fear.

Armaan Shocked, panicked whisper

Armaan - Aru...?? Aru, aankhein kholo... Aru?

He didn't realize it, but the formal "Aransh" was gone, replaced by the intimate, forgotten name.

Ayu, Abhi, and Mihi rushed forward simultaneously, their shock giving way to terror.

Ayu Cried out in sheer panic, reaching for Aru's face

Ayu - Buddy!! Buddy, aankhein kholo na, please... Kya hua, Buddy? open your eyes, please...

Abhi reached out, intending to check Aru’s pulse, but Armaan’s reaction was quicker, sharper, and utterly instinctive..

Armaan shifted Aru's weight, his arms tightening around him. His face was pale, his earlier fury wiped clean by a paralyzing fear he hadn't felt in years. He was operating purely on adrenaline.

Armaan Tensely, his voice tight and urgent, looking directly at Abhi

Armaan -  Call the doctor, Abhi! Please! Tell him it's urgent! Get him here right now!

Without waiting for a reply, Armaan scooped Aru in his arms..He rushed toward the staircase, his mind registering only the terrifying limpness of Aru's body. he rushed him to his room

Armaan laid Aru gently onto the bed, his hands were still shaking. He frantically brushed the hair from Aru's forehead, checking for fever, his panic overriding all his carefully constructed walls of amnesia and hatred...

Armaan knelt beside the bed, his earlier fury completely eradicated by blinding panic. He gently stroked Aru's unmoving cheek the cheek he had just struck trying desperately to elicit a response.

Armaan Softly shaking Aru's shoulder, his voice thick with fear

Armaan -  Aru? Aru, wake up... Please, aankhein kholo.

Within seconds, Ayu, Abhi, and Mihi rushed into the room and immediately hovered over the bed, their faces etched with terror.

Abhi: (Tensely, leaning over) - Kya hua, Bhai? Is he breathing properly?

Ayu Crying hysterically, clutching Aru’s limp hand

Ayu crying - Buddy, utho na! Please! Dekho, sab kitna darr rahe hain! Buddy, wake up, please

Armaan ignored their presence, his focus entirely on the boy in the bed.

Armaan Tensely, looking sharply at Abhi

Armaan tensed - Abhi, did you call the doctor? How long will it take?

Abhi: (Equally tense, watching Aru anxiously) Haa, call kar diya hai. Bas aa rahe hain...

The room was filled with stifled sobs from Ayu and the palpable tension of helplessness. They all were too shocked to react logically, simply standing guard over Aru. Armaan, however, was violently agitated, pacing the three steps beside the bed and then immediately returning to Aru's side.