ENIGMA

BETRAYAL

"Have you gathered the information I asked for?" Advik’s voice was calm but firm.

“Yes, sir,” came the response from the other end. “We’ve uncovered some concerning details about Ronit. He’s been involved in suspicious activities and has connections with known criminals. His family resides in Hyderabad. We’ve also traced some of his recent movements and communications, which seem to align with these findings.”

Advik's expression darkened as he absorbed the information. “I want you to keep a close eye on him. Monitor his every move, and if he does anything that crosses the line, I want to know immediately.”

“Understood, sir,” the voice confirmed.

Advik ended the call and clenched the steering wheel. He wasn’t one to let threats linger, especially not when they concerned someone as important to him as Ruhani. His mind was already calculating the next steps, ensuring that Ronit wouldn’t interfere with his plans.

As the night settled in, Ruhani’s phone began to buzz incessantly on her nightstand. Each time she glanced at the screen, Ronit’s name flashed, but she didn’t dare answer. Her heart pounded, a mixture of fear and guilt twisting inside her. She knew it was almost time for Advik’s call, and she couldn’t risk him finding out that Ronit was still trying to contact her.

Finally, her phone rang with the name she had been waiting for—Advik. With a deep breath, she answered, trying to steady her voice.

“Hello?” she said softly.

Advik’s voice was calm, almost soothing. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m... I’m fine,” she replied, her voice betraying the anxiety she felt.

“Is your family happy with our choices today? Did you get a chance to show them everything we bought?”

“Yes, they loved everything,” Ruhani answered, trying to sound as positive as possible.

“Good,” Advik said, a hint of satisfaction in his tone. “That’s what I wanted to hear. It’s important that your family is pleased with how things are progressing.”

Ruhani nodded, though he couldn’t see her. “They are. Thank you for today, Adi.”

“Of course,” he responded smoothly. “We’re in this together, Ruh. And I want to make sure you’re taken care of in every way.”

There was a pause, a moment of silence that felt heavier than usual, and then Advik’s voice softened further. “I’ll let you get some rest now."

“Good night,” Advik said, his voice gentle again. “I’ll speak to you tomorrow.”

“Good night,” she replied, her voice barely audible.

As the call ended, she stared at her phone, the dread growing heavier. Almost immediately, Ronit’s name flashed on the screen again. She knew she couldn’t avoid this any longer. With trembling hands, she finally answered the call.

“Ruhani! Finally, you picked up!” Ronit’s voice was urgent, filled with a mix of relief and desperation. “Why haven’t you been answering my calls?”

“Ronit,” Ruhani began, trying to keep her voice steady, “I couldn’t answer before. I was...”

“Talking to that bastard again?” Ronit spat, his tone quickly turning hostile. “Why are you still letting him control you like this?”

“Ronit, please...” Ruhani’s voice wavered. “This isn’t easy for me, but you can’t talk about him like that.”

Ronit’s voice hardened. “Ruhani, you don’t have to go through with this. I know you’re scared, but you don’t have to marry him just because your family wants you to. You have a choice!”