ENIGMA

SLEEPLESS NIGHT 2

A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door. Advik stood up to answer it, taking the tray with the soup and bringing it over to the bed. He set it down on the bedside table and looked at her with a mix of frustration and concern.

“Here, eat this,” he instructed, handing her the spoon.

Ruhani looked at the bowl of soup, her nose wrinkling at the sight of the broccoli floating on top. She hesitated, then looked up at Advik with wide, pleading eyes. “Adi… I really don’t want to eat this…”

“Ruhani,” he said warningly, his eyes narrowing.

She knew she had no choice, so with a sigh, she took the spoon and dipped it into the soup. She took a small sip, her face scrunching up in distaste. “It tastes awful,” she mumbled.

Advik watched her closely, his expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. “It’s good for you. Just eat it. The faster you do, the sooner you can sleep.”

She took another reluctant sip, her grimace deepening with each spoonful. “I’m telling you, Adi, this isn’t going to help. I need two biscuits, not this… this vegetable mess!”

Advik shook his head, trying not to laugh at her dramatics. “You’re such a baby, Ruhani. Just finish the soup. I promise it’ll help.”

Ruhani groaned in protest, but she continued eating, albeit very slowly. As she forced down three spoonfuls, she suddenly gagged, dropping the spoon back into the bowl. “I’m going to vomit,” she declared, pushing the tray away.

Advik’s eyes darkened as he stood up, his patience wearing thin. “Finish the soup,” he ordered, his tone dangerously low.

“I can’t!” Ruhani whined, her voice shaky with desperation. “It’s horrible, Adi, please!”

Advik didn’t say a word. Instead, he walked to the wardrobe, pulled out his belt, and placed it on the bedside table with deliberate calmness. Ruhani’s heart sank as she stared at the belt, her breath catching in her throat.

“You seem to have a fondness for this belt,” Advik said coldly, his eyes locking onto hers. “But I’m warning you, Ruhi, this is your last chance.”

Ruhani’s face paled as she looked from the belt to Advik’s stern expression. “But I’ll really vomit, Adi… It’s awful…”

Advik leaned in closer, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "you’re really going to push me? don't you? I’m tired, I’ve had a long day, and I won’t tolerate any more of your disobedience. Now eat.”

He paused, then continued with a steely edge to his voice. “I’ve already given you the medicine, a hot water bag, and food. If you refuse to eat, I’ll have no choice but to get the needle out. This isn’t your home, and I won’t let you suffer silently without proper treatment. Remember, I’m a doctor, and you can’t hide from that fact. You know better what needs to be done, so don’t try to argue.”

Advik’s gaze was unwavering, his tone firm. “If you’re going to be uncooperative and the pain doesn’t ease, I won’t hesitate to give you an injection.”

She took another hesitant sip, still grimacing, but she kept eating. Advik sat beside her, his eyes never leaving her as he made sure she finished every last drop. When she was done, she set the bowl aside and lay back down, feeling defeated.

“Happy now?” she muttered, turning on her side and curling up into a ball.

Advik sighed, leaning down to kiss her forehead. “Yes, I’m happy. Now sleep, Ruhani. We’ll talk more in the morning.”

She closed her eyes, trying to block out the lingering taste of the soup. “I still think two biscuits would’ve been better,” she mumbled under her breath.

Advik chuckled softly, finally feeling a bit of amusement at her stubbornness. “Maybe next time, but only if you agree to the check-up.”

She groaned in response, but didn’t argue further. Within minutes, her breathing evened out as she drifted into an uneasy sleep, still clutching his hand tightly.

Advik stayed by her side, his eyes filled with concern as he watched her sleep. He knew that the morning would bring more challenges, but for now, he was content just to be there for her, ensuring that she got the rest she needed.

As Ruhani drifted into an uneasy sleep, still clutching Advik’s hand tightly, she began mumbling under her breath, her voice barely audible. Advik, who was on the verge of falling asleep himself, opened one eye and sighed. “What’s your problem now?” he asked, his tone a mix of tiredness and mild curiosity.

“I don’t eat veggies,” Ruhani murmured, her voice sleepy yet stubborn.

Advik raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk forming on his lips. “Well, that’s going to change a lot,” he said plainly, knowing exactly how she’d react.

She stirred a little, her brow furrowing even in her sleep as if she was about to protest again.

Ruhani groaned softly, her grip on his hand tightening slightly as if she was trying to hold onto the last remnants of her old habits. “But… I don’t like veggies…” she mumbled, her voice trailing off as sleep began to take over completely.

Advik’s smirk softened into a tender smile as he brushed a strand of hair away from her face. “I know, but it’s for your own good, baby. Once you’re better, you’ll thank me. Maybe.”

Ruhani made a small, protesting noise, but it was clear she was too tired to argue anymore. Advik watched her for a moment longer, his amusement slowly giving way to a deeper sense of care and responsibility. He gently pulled the covers up around her shoulders, ensuring she was warm and comfortable.

“Sleep well,” he whispered, his voice barely above a breath, as he lay back down beside her. Despite the exhaustion weighing on him, he couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of contentment as he listened to her soft breathing.

As she finally settled into a peaceful sleep, Advik allowed himself to relax, though his mind still lingered on the events of the day. He knew the coming days wouldn’t be easy, especially with the changes Ruhani would have to make, but he was determined to see it through, for both their sakes.

With a final glance at her sleeping form, he closed his eyes, hoping to catch a few hours of rest before morning brought new challenges.