Marked By Darkness

Chapter 57- When Darkness Calls

Ruhan's POV...

My mind raced as I knew time was running out. Anshika sitting quietly beside me.
Suddenly, Anshika's phone rang, breaking the tense silence. She glanced at the screen.

Anshi- It's Neil.

She said, her voice uncertain.

Without thinking, I reached over and took the phone from her, pressing the answer button. His tone was calm, but inside he was far from it.

Ruhan- Neil?

Neil- Is everything okay? Ruhi's condition is getting worse. What's going on?

Neil's voice was strained.

I took a deep breath before speaking.

Ruhan- We need help. We need you guys, all of you.

There was a brief silence on the other end before Esha's voice cut in, concerned.

Esha- Ruhan, what happened? Is Anshi okay?

Ruhan- She's with me. She's fine.

My voice was steady, though my mind was racing.

Ruhan- But we need help. Can you guys come here? I am mailing the address.

Esha- Neil and Arav will be on their way.

Esha started, but I interrupted her.

Ruhan- No, not just them. You need to come too. All of you. And...

I paused, unsure how much to reveal.

Ruhan- If you know anyone Ruhi loves the most, can you inform them? They may be the key.

Esha hesitated for a moment.

Esha- I don't know about her family, but... there might be someone. Okay, we're coming.

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

Ruhan- Thank you, Esha. Please, hurry.

I hung up, my gaze fixed ahead as the weight of the situation pressed harder against me. Anshika shifted in her seat, her eyes full of questions.

Anshi- What do you plan to do, Ruhan?

She asked quietly, almost as if afraid of the answer.

I turned to her, a cryptic smile tugging at the corner of my lips.

Ruhan- Just wait and watch.

---

Esha's POV...

I stood in the dimly lit hospital corridor, trying to process everything that had happened. My thoughts swirled with concern for Ruhi, Anshi, and whatever strange events had brought them all here. Neil's voice broke through my thoughts, startling me back to the present.

Neil- Anshi mailed the address.

His face tense with worry.

Neil- Esha, can you go with us? If you can't, there's no need. Arav and I'll go.

I shook my head, my voice firm.

Esh- No, I can go. It's fine. But I need to call someone first.

Neil handed me the phone, and without wasting time, I dialed Sounak's number. As the phone rang, my heart pounded. How was I going to tell him? When he finally picked up, I took a deep breath.

Esha- Sounak... it's about Ruhi.

I began, my voice tight with urgency.

Esha- There was an accident. She's still unconscious.

The line was silent for a moment before Sounak spoke, his voice low and shaken.

Sounak- What? I-I'll be there in an hour.

True to his word, within the hour, Sounak arrived at the hospital. His face was pale, a mixture of fear and disbelief etched into his features. Without saying much, he went straight to Esha, his eyes pleading for answers.

Sounak- Where's Ruhi?

He asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Neil stepped forward and quietly guided him to Ruhi's room, leaving me alone for a moment to gather my thoughts. I could only hope Sounak's presence would help.

---

Sounak's POV...

I stood frozen at the door of Ruhi's hospital room, unable to move. My eyes locked onto her motionless figure on the bed, her chest rising and falling faintly with each breath. I hadn't seen her like this-so fragile, so vulnerable-in years.

I approached slowly, my footsteps feeling heavier with each step. As I reached the bed, I gently placed my hand on Ruhi's forehead, my heart sinking as I realized she was unresponsive. She wasn't waking up, and for the first time, I felt truly helpless.

"Ruhi..." I whispered, my voice trembling.

Sounak- I'm sorry... I'm so sorry.

I bent down, kissing her fingers softly. Memories of the times we shared flashed through my mind, filling me with regret. I had always kept my distance, afraid to confront my feelings, but now I could no longer ignore us.

Sounak- I never understood you, your love... I was always trying to push you away.

My words came out in a strained whisper, my guilt consuming me.

Sounak- But please, Ruhi, open your eyes. Don't leave me like this. I won't let you go this time.

Minutes passed in silence as I stood by her side, refusing to move. It was as if my entire world had narrowed down to this one moment, waiting for a miracle.

Suddenly, Esha entered the room, her face tight with concern. She gently placed her hand on my shoulder, breaking the silence.

Esha- We need to leave now.

She said softly.

Esha- Anshi needs our help. It's all for Ruhi.

I didn't move at first, still staring at Ruhi's face.

Sounak- I don't understand why she's not waking up. Why is this happening?

Esha sighed, her voice barely audible.

Esha- I don't know. But I think Anshi and Ruhan know more than we do. They're trying to save her, and we need your help, Sounak. Please.

I finally turned to face Esha, my eyes searching for answers.

Sounak- Who is Ruhan?

I asked, my voice steady but filled with confusion.

Esha- Ruhan is Anshi's neighbor. Her friend, kind of. He's been helping us since... all of this started.

Esha explained.

I nodded slowly, absorbing the information. After a long pause, I straightened my back, my expression determined.

Sounak- Okay. Let's go, then.

---