Dark Love: A Psycho Lover

Season 1 Episode 14

The morning sunlight filtered weakly through the curtains, casting a hazy glow across the apartment. Ishika sat curled up on the couch, her mind drifting back to last night's argument. The sting of Arav's slap lingered—a painful reminder of the tension simmering beneath his apologies and assurances.

As if on cue, Arav walked into the room, his gaze softening as he approached her. He sat beside her, reaching for her hand with a hesitant expression. "Ishika," he began gently, "I don't know what got into me yesterday. You just... you don't understand how much I worry about you."

Ishika's gaze dropped to their clasped hands, her voice trembling. "But... you hit me, Arav. That's not normal. That's not... love."

Arav sighed deeply, a shadow passing over his face as he squeezed her hand a little tighter. "I know, and I hate myself for it. But don't you see?" His voice grew more urgent, his words punctuated with intensity. "I only lose control because I'm so afraid of losing you. You're my world, Ishika. Can't you understand that?"

A familiar wave of guilt crept over her, wrapping around her heart like a vice. She found herself nodding slowly, words slipping out despite the doubt clawing at her mind. "I just... I feel like I can't breathe sometimes," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Like I'm losing myself."

He leaned closer, his fingers tightening around her own as though afraid she might disappear if he let go. "Don't say that. I would never want you to feel trapped. All I'm trying to do is protect you. People out there... they're dangerous, and you don't know who you can really trust." He cupped her cheek, his thumb gently grazing the spot where he'd struck her. "Please, don't doubt my love for you."

Her chest tightened, and for a moment, she felt the familiar pull of his intensity—the way he made her feel as if she were the center of his universe. His gaze was tender, vulnerable, as if begging her to trust him, to believe that every action, no matter how dark, was somehow justified by his love.

"You promise?" she whispered, the words slipping out in a quiet, wavering plea. "That you'll try to be better?"

"I swear," he said fervently, pulling her into an embrace. "I'll never hurt you again. I'm sorry, Ishika. I just... I need you."

She melted into his arms, the relief of his apology washing over her like a warm tide, soothing her doubts, even as a seed of fear remained firmly rooted within her, its tendrils stretching through her heart.

As the days passed, Arav seemed determined to keep his promise, showering her with small gestures and reminders of the man she'd once fallen for. He would bring her coffee in bed, run his fingers through her hair as they watched movies, and talk endlessly about their future together, painting idyllic pictures of love, loyalty, and a life filled with mutual devotion. There were times when Ishika almost believed him—when she could almost convince herself that his love was pure and strong, powerful enough to smother the darkness lurking beneath.

But each time she sensed a crack in that façade, a darkness would seep through.

One evening, as they finished dinner, Ishika's phone buzzed with a message from her best friend, Rhea. She glanced at the notification, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of Rhea's name. It had been weeks since they'd spoken, and the mere thought of reconnecting with her friend stirred something warm and hopeful within her.

Arav noticed her reaction, his smile tightening as he set down his fork. "Who's that?" he asked, his tone deceptively casual.

"Just Rhea," she replied, quickly setting her phone aside. "She wanted to know if we could catch up sometime."