ENIGMA

CHAPTER 7

Later that evening, as Advik tried to focus on his work, his phone rang again. It was his father. He answered, his tone already edged with frustration.

"Dad, what's the matter now?" Advik asked, unable to hide his irritation.

"Advik, calm down. I wanted to understand why you're so upset about Inaya's sleepover," his father said, trying to keep the conversation calm.

Advik took a deep breath, trying to contain his anger. "Dad, it's not just about the sleepover. It's about her whole attitude lately. She's been acting out, ignoring rules, and you and Mom keep taking her side. It's not helping her; it's just spoiling her."

His father's voice was measured. "Advik, we understand you're worried about her, but she's still young. She needs some freedom too."

"Freedom?" Advik almost shouted. "Dad, freedom doesn't mean letting her do whatever she wants. She needs boundaries. And every time she gets into trouble, you both shield her instead of letting her face the consequences. It's not helping her grow up."

His father sighed, sensing the depth of Advik's frustration. "We don't want her to feel restricted or unloved."

Advik's voice turned cold and firm. "Dad, loving her doesn't mean letting her walk all over you. She needs to learn discipline and responsibility. If you don't start saying 'no' to her, I will have to teach her why she can't use you and Mom as shields. She needs to understand the importance of rules and respect."

His father listened quietly, realizing the intensity of Advik's feelings. "I hear you, Advik. We'll try to be firmer with her. But please, don't be too harsh on her."

Advik's anger was still evident, but he took a deep breath to calm down. "I won't be harsh, but I will be firm. She needs to learn, and it's better she learns it now rather than later when the consequences could be worse."

"Alright, beta. We trust your judgment," his father said softly. "Just remember, we're all trying to do what's best for her."

"I know, Dad," Advik replied, his tone slightly softened. "But we need to be on the same page about this."

His father, sensing the lingering tension, added, "Advik, I understand you're upset, but you need to calm your nerves. Getting angry won't help."

Advik's frustration flared again. "Calm down? Dad, you didn't hear the way she talked to me. She raised her voice and used language that was completely out of line. This isn't just about one night out. It's about a pattern of disrespect and irresponsibility. She's been pushing boundaries constantly, and every time, you and Mom let her get away with it."

His father tried to interject, "I know she's been difficult, but she's still young and learning."

Advik cut him off, his voice hard. "No, Dad, she's not just being difficult. She's being downright disrespectful. She's always talked disrespectfully to you and Mom because she knows you'll let it slide. But she never dared to talk to me like that—until now. She needs to learn that actions have consequences. And you need to stop taking her side every time she throws a tantrum. You're just enabling her. But mark my words, if she thinks she can disrespect me and get away with it, she's got another thing coming. I haven't said anything for the past few months, and she thought she could walk all over me. I won’t tolerate it."

His father was silent for a moment, absorbing Advik's words. "Advik, I understand your point, but we need to approach this with patience. She's going through a phase."

"A phase?" Advik scoffed. "Dad, this 'phase' is turning her into someone who doesn't respect authority or rules. If we don't address it now, it will only get worse. She hides behind you and Mom every time she makes a wrong decision. You need to let her face the music instead of always bailing her out. This is why I'm so strict with her—because she needs it."