Shadows of obsession (18+)

Aarohi's POV

The room felt suffocating as I knelt before Raghav, my heart pounding in my chest. My father's life hung in the balance, and I was desperate. Tears streamed down my face as I clasped my hands together, begging for mercy.

"Please, Raghav, please let him go," I pleaded, my voice breaking. "He has nothing to do with this. I'll do anything you want, just spare him."

Raghav stood before me, his expression cold and unyielding. His dark eyes bore into mine, showing no sign of compassion.

"You'll do anything?" he repeated slowly, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "Anything at all?"

I nodded frantically, my hope flickering like a fragile flame. "Yes, anything. Just let him go."

He crouched down to my level, his face inches from mine. I could see the dangerous glint in his eyes, the satisfaction he derived from my desperation. "Marry me, Aarohi. Marry me, and your father lives."

His words hit me like a sledgehammer. Marry him? The very thought was repulsive, but the image of my father, weak and helpless, flashed in my mind. I had no choice.

"You... you can't be serious," I whispered, my voice trembling.

"I'm very serious, cutie," he said, his tone mocking. "Your father's life in exchange for your hand in marriage. Take it or leave it."

I felt my world collapsing around me. I looked up at him, trying to find any hint of mercy, but there was none. Raghav was determined, and I was trapped. Slowly, I nodded, the weight of my decision crushing my spirit. "Fine, I'll marry you. Just please, let my father go."

Raghav's smile widened, and he stood up, pulling me to my feet with a rough grip. "Good choice, Aarohi. You've just saved your father's life. But remember, this is only the beginning."

As he walked away, I felt a shiver run down my spine. My fate was now intertwined with a man whose love was more like an obsession, and I knew that escaping his grasp would be nearly impossible.