Seven Days Before the End

As they descended in the lift, it suddenly stopped on the second floor. The doors slid open, and Arya's eyes widened standing there was the same girl he had met earlier. Another boy was with her as they both stepped inside.

Ronnie leaned in slightly and whispered to Arya, "Wow, she's beautiful. I think I'm in love at first sight." His gaze remained fixed on her.

When they reached the ground floor, the lift doors opened again. The boy and the girl stepped out first. Just before leaving, the girl glanced back at Arya and smiled before walking away.

Ronnie, mistaking the glance for himself, grinned excitedly. "Arya, did you see that? She looked at me and smiled! I know it he's not her boyfriend. She must like me too!" His excitement was barely contained as they stepped out of the lift.

As they stepped out of the building, Ronnie started heading toward the gate.

"Wrong direction, bro," Arya said.

"We're going out of the hospital to see the city," Ronnie replied.

"But what if the doctor finds out?" Arya asked.

"It's fine. I'll manage that later. Let's go," Ronnie said, continuing his walk.

Arya stood there for a moment, watching Ronnie get farther ahead. He quickly caught up and called out, "Bro, come on! Why are you so afraid? I said I'll handle it. Let's go before the doctor sees us!"

Arya moved forward toward the gate, and they walked to the roadside.

Ronnie stopped a taxi, and it pulled over.

Ronnie said something to the driver in a low voice. Arya, standing outside the car, was confused.

"Bro, come inside, we'll be late!" Ronnie called.

"Where to?" Arya asked.

Ronnie smiled. "It's a surprise for you. Just get in, don't ask any questions."

"But I don't have any money," Arya said.

"Don't worry about money. I'll pay. Just get in," Ronnie said, urging him inside.

Arya finally got into the car.

As the car moved, Arya looked outside, taking in the view of beautiful houses, shops, and bustling streets. After about five minutes, the taxi came to a stop.

Ronnie handed money to the driver. "Thanks for the ride," he said before stepping out.

Arya followed, stepping onto the pavement. His eyes widened as he saw a massive mall and several clubs in front of him. People were coming and going, some entering the clubs, others leaving. The streets were alive with energy—"Music, chatter, and sunlight pouring in through the windows."

or

"Are we going to the mall?" Arya asked.

Ronnie smirked. "No, we're going to a club."

Arya hesitated. He had never been to a club before. He barely knew anything about them. This would be his first time.

"Let's go," Ronnie said, leading the way.

As they approached the entrance, Arya noticed several guards and bouncers standing at the gate. They were checking IDs and entry cards. A crowd had formed outside—some people waiting in line, others dancing on the sidewalk since entry required a membership card.

Ronnie stepped up to the gate and waved Arya over. He pulled out a card and showed it to the guard. With a nod, the guard let them in.

The moment Arya stepped inside, a loud boom shook the air. Music blasted through the massive club, vibrating through his chest. The place was huge—flashing lights, a packed dance floor, and a DJ playing an electrifying beat. People were dancing, laughing, and drinking, lost in the moment.

Ronnie tapped Arya's shoulder. "This way! Our seats are upstairs."

Arya followed him. Ronnie flashed a VIP card at another bouncer, who immediately led them toward a private entrance. They took the left path, reserved only for VIPs.

When they reached the top floor, the elevator doors slid open, and Arya's breath caught.

It was like stepping into an eight-star hotel. The upper level was luxurious, filled with elegantly dressed staff, waitresses, and exclusive guests. From there, they had a clear view of the entire club below. The flashing lights, the dancing crowd—it all felt unreal.

Arya turned to Ronnie. "This place is..."

Ronnie grinned. "Insane, right? Welcome to the real party."

Arya looked at Ronnie and asked, "I've heard most clubs open at night or in the afternoon, but this one is running in broad daylight. Why?"

Ronnie smirked and replied, "This is RG Club, the most popular one in the city. It's open 24 hours. But today is special—many celebrities are coming, so there's a bigger crowd than usual."

As they approached the entrance, a bouncer stepped forward. "Sir, this way," he said, guiding them toward the VIP section.

Before entering, Arya noticed several waitresses lined up near the entrance. One of them stepped forward with a welcoming smile. "Welcome to RG Club," she said. "My name is Rina, and I'll be your personal server. If you need anything, I'll take care of it."

She then led them through a restaurant-style area, passing by several private rooms. Stopping in front of one, she opened the door. Inside, the room was spacious, equipped with a large TV and luxurious seating. But what stood out the most was the glass wall—it replaced one entire side of the room, offering a full view of the entire club.

Rina gestured toward a button on the wall. "If you need anything, just press this, and I'll be here right away." She then pointed toward another section of the club. "If you'd like to dance or enjoy the live music, the VIP dance area is upstairs, where the DJ and singers perform."

Ronnie shook his head. "No, thank you. I've already placed an order. If we need anything, we'll call you."

Rina nodded politely before leaving the room.

"Bro, you know today she's coming!" Ronnie said.

"Arya: Who?"

"Ronnie: Maya."

"Arya: Who, Maya?"

"Ronnie: Bro, you don't even know her? She's a famous actress! I'm a big fan of hers. Finally, today, I will meet her!" Ronnie smiled excitedly.

Arya stood by the glass wall, looking down.

"Ronnie: Let's go down, have some fun!"

"Arya: No, thanks."

"Ronnie: You don't want to dance? There's fun, bro!"

"Arya: Sorry, I just can't feel good in that environment."

"Ronnie: Well, it looks good, bro. Let's have fun here. If you want anything, you can order. I'll pay for you; you're my friend, bro."

Arya sat down. The door knocked, and Rina, the waiter, entered with the order. She placed a variety of food on the table—burgers, pizza, momo, and cold drinks.

"Rina: Sir, if you need anything, I'm happy to serve you."

She left the room.

Ronnie started eating, then he saw Arya wasn't eating anything.

"Bro, what happened? You don't eat anything or did the doctor say something?" Ronnie asked.

"Arya: Not that."

"Ronnie: What's the problem? Let's start eating."

"Arya: Okay."

They ate, and after 10 minutes, Ronnie noticed Maya dancing in the VIP area.

"Ronnie: Let's go, bro! Hurry up, this is your chance to meet her!"

"Arya: I don't feel well there."

"Ronnie: It's okay. You stay here. I'll go there. Alright? I'll see you later, bro."

Ronnie ran off, and Arya stood there, thinking.

'What was I before, and what am I now? Everything has changed in my life. Sometimes, I feel like I want to live for them, but is that even possible?' Arya thought.

He stood up and looked down from the glass wall. Below, Ronnie was dancing with Maya, having fun.

'Arya: She changed me. Her love changed me.'

'Before, I was nothing, wanting to die. But now, I feel like I'm living my life.'

Then his phone rang. He checked it; it was the doctor.

"Doctor: Where are you, Arya? The nurse told me you weren't in your room. We searched the hospital but couldn't find you. I've called many times."

Arya saw the missed calls and messages.

"Arya: Sorry, doctor. My phone was on silent before."

"Doctor: I don't want to know that. First, tell me where you are. We know Ronnie is also missing. Is he with you?"

"Arya: He's with me, doctor."

"Doctor: What's that sound in your background? Don't tell me you're in a mall or a crowded area."

"Arya: Yes, doctor."

"Doctor: I told you before, you need treatment on time! You shouldn't be in crowded areas, but you didn't listen. I know you didn't go there yourself. Ronnie took you there. Come back to the hospital fast and bring him too. Okay?"

The call ended. Arya tried to call Ronnie, but there was so much noise, he couldn't hear his voice. Finally, Arya decided to go downstairs.

The noise grew louder as he descended. In the VIP area, many rich people were dancing. Arya couldn't see Ronnie. When he finally spotted him, he made his way toward him, but by the time he reached where Ronnie was, he was gone. Then he saw her there, but she didn't see him.

Arya couldn't move. It felt like the surroundings were closing in on him. He couldn't say anything. He collapsed.

Ronnie saw him falling down. Ronnie and the bouncers helped him up, but Arya didn't open his eyes. They quickly called an ambulance, rushing him to the hospital.

Then the ambulance arrived, and they took Arya inside. Ronnie also went with them. As they were on the way, Ronnie's phone rang. It was the doctor calling.

He picked up the phone and said, "Doctor, what happened to Arya? He hasn't opened his eyes."

"Don't worry, just get in the ambulance," the doctor said.

"Yes, doctor, we're on the way. We'll be at the hospital soon," Ronnie replied.

"Alright, I'm waiting here," the doctor said, and the call ended.

At the hospital, the doctor called the nurse and said, "There's an emergency, prepare the room."

"Okay, doctor," the nurse replied before going to prepare the room.

The doctor headed to the emergency gate. The ambulance finally arrived, and they opened the back door. They carefully took Arya out and placed him on a stretcher, moving him quickly to the Emergency Room. Ronnie followed closely behind, deeply worried about Arya.

The doctor noticed Ronnie and said, "Let's take him inside."

Ronnie nodded, and the doctor reassured him, "Don't worry, we'll take care of him from here."

They entered the Emergency Room, and the door closed behind them, the red lights flashing on.

Outside, Ronnie was worried and thinking, "This is my fault. My mistake put his life in danger. If I hadn't taken him, none of this would have happened. He told me before he didn't feel good there, but I didn't take him seriously. Please, God, save him."

He was waiting outside the doors when the nurse came out. Ronnie, standing by the side, saw her and quickly asked, "What happened to him? Is he okay now?"

The nurse replied, "I can't tell you right now, I'm in a hurry." She paused before adding, "He hasn't opened his eyes yet," and then hurried off to get more supplies.

Then he stood by the side again, waiting for news about him. Just before, he had been having fun with Maya, his favorite actress. Now, he was standing here, waiting for his friend.