Note: This happens after Priya claims to have pushed Shivina accidentally and lies to Ram about cheating on him and Krish being the father of her child.
TW: Contains mentions of self-harm and suicide.
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Ram stared at the photo frame of his late parents; it was a picture of them on their wedding day. His mother, Asha, had donned a stunning red and golden lehenga. His father, Virendra, was dressed in a black and silver sherwani with the dupatta draped around his neck. They were staring at each other with huge grins plastered across their faces. A melancholic smile crossed his face as he reminisced about them. Building sandcastles on the beach, having snowball fights, binging movies together, grooving to vintage music - every single memory flashed before his eyes. A tear escaped his eye and he had no energy left in him to wipe it off. Instead, he just caressed the photo frame, wishing for his parents to hold him tight and assure him.
"Ram bhai, what the hell?" Shivina's shrill voice rang in his ears. She stood before him, with her arms crossed and a frown on her face. "How could you let me die? You promised to always protect me. You failed, bhai," she cried out. Ram knew he was hallucinating but he even knew what she said was true. He failed Shivi. He failed as a brother. He broke his promise to her. "You're the worst brother in the world," Shivina spat out the words at him. Ram felt as if someone had cut open his abdomen, crushed his ribs and torn his heart out. Tears streamed down his face. "I'm sorry, Shivi bachche. I'm so sorry. I'm a terrible brother. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Ram chanted 'sorry' continuously to her, hoping she would forgive him but she just stood there, disappointment etched across her face. And just like that, she disappeared.
Adi entered the room to find Ram lying on the floor with his eyes shut. Sheer panic shot across him as he ran towards Ram. He shook him harshly and was relieved to see him open his eyes. "Ram, come on, you haven't eaten or drunk anything for three days straight. You need to get something inside your system," Adi scolded him. He lifted Ram and dragged him to the dining room. Brinda had prepared his favourite - butter chicken and naan. She placed the plate before him, nudging him to eat but he just stared into the void. Finally, Brinda fed him a few morsels until he refused to eat anymore. "Jaan, I know it's a stupid question, but are you okay?" Brinda asked softly. Ram just nodded blindly. She wrapped her arms around him in a hug and kissed the top of his head. "Everything's gonna be fine, okay honey?" Brinda assured him. Ram didn't react, instead, he just walked to his room. He stood in the shower, letting the scalding water hit his body. He let the tears flow along with the water, hoping it would relieve him of the pain. He dressed in his pyjamas and sat on the bed.
Once again, the photo frame of his parents came into view. Beside it, lay a small pink alarm clock. Shivina had gifted it to him on Father's Day. It was the first time she had gifted him something and it was very close to his heart. He ran his fingers over the back of the clock, only to find a piece of paper lodged in the battery slot. Puzzled, he unwrapped the paper to find Shivi's handwriting scribbled on it.
Happy Father's Day, Ram bhai! You are my sunshine, my comfort and my home. I am so damn lucky to be blessed with a brother like you. Dad is proud of you, bhai. And so am I.
Love, Shivi.
Ram let out a guttural cry on reading the letter. Shivi's face flashed before his eyes time and again. He felt fear gripping his nerves and his heartbeat soaring. He grabbed his medicine box from the bedside table and a glass of water. Ram glanced at the letter again. "I'm sorry Shivi. I failed you. I failed. I'm sorry," he kept mumbling to himself. He popped a pill, then another and another one. He felt his body calm down considerably. Drowsiness overtook him after a while and he lay on the bed with the alarm clock in his hands.
"Ram, what on earth? Why are you still asleep?" Adi barged into his room, anger evident on his face. "We have the pooja in ten minutes and you haven't even budged from the bed." Ram remained still despite Adi's scolding. Rolling his eyes, Adi jumped on his bed and shook him in an attempt to wake him up. Adi pulled the covers off him only to let out a scream. Ram was foaming at the mouth and his body was ice-cold. On hearing Adi's cry, Brinda came rushing into the room, only to let out another scream. Nandini and Shubham followed behind, each of them rushing to Ram's side.
Adi lifted him in his arms and carried him to his car with Brinda in tow. He drove to the hospital as fast as he could. Adi could barely process what had happened. He just had to get Ram to the hospital on time. On reaching, he lifted Ram onto the stretcher and called for the doctor hurriedly. The doctor escorted Ram to the OT, while Adi and Brinda stood outside, praying their hearts out. "Adi, Ram will be okay right?" Brinda asked him, tears streaming down her eyes. He hugged her, whispering words of consolation in her ears. Adi himself was in an inconsolable state. He could not lose Ram. They had been mates since college and no way was he letting go of him. Adi wiped his tears fiercely, determined to berate Ram for giving them a scare.
After a good twenty minutes, the doctor exited the OT. Adi and Brinda looked at him in anticipation. "I'm sorry, there was nothing we could do. He was gone before you brought him here.," the doctor stated. Hearing the doctor's words, Adi and Brinda went numb. "He wh...wha...what?" Adi stammered.
"He is no more."
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This is my last OS on BALH2. Ram has been such a beautiful character for me and I have nothing but love for him. I know it's a very tragic end for him but it's the most realistic as well. No human has this level of resilience. And Ram is human. ♥️
Obviously, y'all are free to assume what happens later in regards to Priya and Pihu, Adi and Brinda and the rest. But this OS starts and ends with Ram only.
Goodbye, Ram Kapoor. You deserved better. But remember that you will always remain in our hearts! ♥️
