Echoes of Love

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The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm glow across the bustling city as Shubman Gill, the successful CEO of a tech firm, wrapped up another long day at the office. He glanced at the clock on his desk—7 PM. He knew Ishan, his husband, would be busy at their cozy café, The Coffee Canvas, crafting his signature lattes and pastries for the evening rush. Shubman smiled at the thought of Ishan's infectious laughter and the smell of fresh coffee waiting for him at home.

As he left the office building, the sounds of the city enveloped him. But his evening took a tragic turn. In a moment of distraction, Shubman found himself in the middle of a chaotic street. A screech of tires, the sharp sound of glass shattering, and suddenly, everything went black.

---

Meanwhile, Ishan Gill, known for his warmth and talent in the kitchen, was busy serving customers at the café. The aroma of baked goods filled the air, mingling with the rich scent of brewing coffee. Just as he was about to take a break, his phone buzzed incessantly on the counter.

With a frown, he picked it up and answered, his heart sinking as he listened to the voice on the other end. The words "hospital" and "accident" echoed in his mind like a relentless drumbeat. Panic surged through him as he learned that Shubman's condition was critical.

"I'll be there right away," he managed to say before hanging up, his hands trembling.

---

Ishan rushed to the hospital, his heart racing faster than his feet could carry him. As he approached the reception desk, his voice barely rose above a whisper. "My husband, Shubman Gill. He was in an accident."

The receptionist's sympathetic eyes and soft words felt like a heavy weight on his chest. "Please wait in the waiting area. A doctor will speak to you soon."

The minutes felt like hours. Ishan paced the floor, anxiety clawing at him. Each time the door to the surgical ward opened, he held his breath, hoping for good news. But dread settled in his stomach like a stone.

Finally, a doctor stepped out, his expression grave. Ishan's heart plummeted as the doctor spoke words he never wanted to hear. "I'm sorry. We did everything we could, but... he didn't survive."

The world shattered around Ishan. A primal scream tore from his throat, echoing in the sterile hallways. Grief consumed him as he sank to the floor, his dreams of a life filled with love and laughter with Shubman collapsing in an instant.

---

Suddenly, Ishan jolted awake, gasping for air. His heart raced, pounding in his chest like a drum. He looked around, disoriented, until his gaze fell on Shubman, peacefully asleep beside him. Relief washed over him like a cool breeze. It had all been a terrible dream.

Ishan reached out, brushing his fingers over Shubman's arm, feeling the warmth of his skin. He was alive. They were together.

With a shaky breath, Ishan nestled closer to his husband, wrapping his arms around him, feeling the steady rise and fall of Shubman's breath. He closed his eyes, the remnants of fear still clinging to him, but the warmth of reality soothed him.

"Just a dream," he whispered to himself, a mantra that pushed away the shadows of the nightmare.

As dawn broke outside their window, casting golden light across the room, Ishan felt grateful for the mundane moments—the laughter, the coffee brewing in the morning, and the love that filled their home. He vowed never to take those moments for granted again. Life was fragile, but together, they would face whatever came their way.

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