ENIGMA

CHAPTER 18

Everyone was shocked. The Malhotra family didn't know about the Bangkok story, and the Sharma family was equally stunned, wondering how Advik had come to know about it.

Ruhani started to hesitate. She couldn't lie, yet she couldn't accept the truth so openly. Her mother, sensing the mounting tension, tried to rescue her. "She went on a trip with her friends for a few days. Just a harmless getaway," Mrs. Sharma said, forcing a smile.

Advik silenced them with a wave of his hand. "No harm in a harmless trip. I am just curious."

Mrs. Sharma tried to steer the conversation again. "After her graduation, she wanted to take some time to relax and explore—"

Advik interrupted, his voice firm. "I want to hear it from Ruhani."

Ruhani's heart raced, her pulse pounding in her ears. She glanced at her parents, seeing the worry etched on their faces. Summoning her courage, she met Advik's gaze. "I... I went to Bangkok with my friends for a vacation. We explored the city, visited art galleries, and experienced the local culture."

Advik's expression remained inscrutable. "And the nightclub?" he asked, his voice steady but insistent.

Ruhani's eyes started to water, and everyone in the room was shocked. Her mother stood up, her voice trembling with emotion. "Advik, you don't know her. She doesn't go to nightclubs. I think there is a lapse in your judgment."

Mr. Sharma nodded in agreement. "We raised her with values. She isn't like that."

Advik looked at Mrs. Sharma, respectfully. "Aunty, please sit down."

Mr. Malhotra, sensing the rising tension, spoke up. "Advik, that's enough."

But Advik was determined. "I just need two minutes from all the elders in the room." Turning to Ruhani, he said, "You have two minutes to come clean."

Ruhani stood frozen, unable to speak. Mrs. Sharma was about to intervene again when Advik said, "Aunty, don't you have the right to know about her?" He then directed his questions to Ruhani. "Do your parents have the right to know or not?"

Ruhani remained silent, tears welling up in her eyes. Advik swiftly left his chair, his voice cold. "I'm done here."

Mr. and Mrs. Malhotra was about to say something when Ruhani finally spoke, her voice barely a whisper. "I made some mistakes."

The room fell silent again, everyone hanging on her words. Taking a deep breath, Ruhani continued, "I went to Bangkok with my friends for a vacation. We explored the city, visited art galleries, and yes, one night, we went to a nightclub. Things got out of hand, and I had too much to drink. It was a mistake, and I'm deeply sorry for it."

Advik, seeing her struggle, decided to clarify. "When I found Ruhani, she was alone, drunk, and vulnerable. If we're here to build a relationship, it can not be built on lies. Now that she has come clean, we can proceed forward.".

Mrs. Sharma looked heartbroken while Mr. Sharma's face was a mix of disappointment and concern. The Malhotra family was visibly uncomfortable, and Mrs. Malhotra tried to soften the atmosphere. "Advik, everyone makes mistakes. What's important is how we learn from them and move forward."

Advik looked at Ruhani, his expression unreadable. "I needed to know. It's not about the mistake but about understanding who you are and how you handle things."

Mr. Malhotra finally spoke, his tone conciliatory. "Advik, I think Ruhani has shown a lot of courage and honesty today. That's something to be respected."

Advik leaned back slightly, his gaze still on Ruhani. "I appreciate your honesty, Ruhani. It's important to be truthful, especially in a relationship."

Mrs. Sharma, hoping to shift the conversation, added, "Ruhani has been working very hard on her paintings. She has an exhibition coming up soon, and we're very proud of her dedication."