ENIGMA

CHAPTER 4

As they landed in Thailand, Advik took Inaya's hand and guided her towards the waiting luxury car. The chauffeur opened the door, and they settled in for the drive to their personal presidential suite in one of the most luxurious hotels in Bangkok.

Once they arrived, Advik instructed Inaya to freshen up and meet him in the dining room of their suite. Inaya, excited but also feeling restrained by her brother's strict instructions, quickly changed and took a refreshing bath. She emerged from the bathroom, ready to enjoy her vacation.

Advik, focused on his laptop, looked up as Inaya entered. "Remember, Ini," he said, his tone firm yet caring, "you are not to leave the suite without my permission. I need to concentrate on my work, but I promise to take you out later to meet your friend and explore some local sights."

Inaya hesitated, knowing better than to disobey Advik but unable to suppress her desire to explore. "But Bhaiya," she protested, "I really want to see my friend today. Can't I just go for a little while?"

Advik closed his laptop momentarily and sighed. "Ini, I've arranged everything for tomorrow. Today, you need to catch up on your studies. I know you didn't bring your books, so I put them in my bag. Please open it and start studying."

Inaya's face fell, realizing her brother had anticipated her every move. She pouted and threatened, "I'll complain to Mom!"

Advik chuckled softly. "Go ahead, Ini. I'm sure she'll agree with me."

Defeated, Inaya dialed her mother, Mrs. Malhotra, and voiced her complaints. Mrs. Malhotra listened patiently before telling Advik to take her out for the day. Advik respectfully replied, "Mom, it's her first day here. I have work commitments. It's important she understands that."

Turning to Inaya, Advik asked gently, "Are you tired? Do you want to rest or go out?"

"I'll complain to dad."

Advik's patience was wearing thin. "Ini, if you continue like this, I'll have to restrict you to the room entirely. You agreed to this plan, and it's important you respect it," he warned firmly.

Inaya shook her head, torn between her desire to explore and her brother's expectations. Reluctantly, she agreed to study first. Advik fetched her book from his suitcase and placed it in front of her along with a ruler. "One hour, Inaya. Complete 70 MCQs. Then we'll go out for dinner. Otherwise, dinner will be served here while you finish."

Inaya protested, "But Bhaiya, I came here for a vacation!"

Advik stood up, retrieved her book and ruler, and placed them firmly on the table. "Ini, one hour, 70 MCQs," he repeated firmly, a hint of warmth in his eyes. Inaya knew better than to argue further.

"I'll tell you the time." Advik said as he returned to his laptop, his mind already occupied with business plans and schedules.

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As Inaya begrudgingly began solving the multiple-choice questions, her mind wandered to her friend's eager messages. Unable to resist the temptation, she discreetly took out her phone and quickly typed a message.

"Hey! I've arrived in Bangkok. Bhaiya won't let me out today, though," she sent with a sad emoji.

Her friend, Riya, replied almost instantly, "Oh no! That's too bad. Where are you? I can come over. Send me your location!"

Inaya sighed, torn between her brother's strict rules and her desire to see her friend. "Sadly, I wish I could meet you today," she typed with a frown emoji.

Riya responded sympathetically, "It's okay. We'll plan something else. Enjoy your time there!"

Just as Inaya was about to reply, Advik noticed her distracted demeanor. He got up swiftly and snatched the phone from her hand, but she locked the screen.