ENIGMA

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As Ruhani was about to drift off to sleep again, a sudden thought jolted her awake. She sat up abruptly, her eyes filled with urgency as she said, “I want to go back home. I don’t want to stay here any longer.”

Advik, leaning against the bedroom doorframe, studied her for a moment before nodding. “Alright,” he said, his voice calm but firm, “if that’s what you want.”

The car ride back home was wrapped in silence. The hum of the engine and the occasional sound of passing cars were the only noises that filled the space between them. Ruhani glanced out the window, her mind far from where she was, while Advik focused on the road ahead.

Breaking the silence, Advik spoke, his tone authoritative yet somehow gentle. “You’re to rest today, baby." he said, glancing at her briefly before returning his gaze to the road. “Tomorrow is the engagement, and I expect you to be prepared, mentally and physically.”

She nodded, her hands clutching the seatbelt as though it would anchor her, her eyes lowered, trying to avoid his gaze. But when she glanced sideways, she caught his stern eyes, watching her carefully.

“Answer me verbally,” he instructed sharply, his tone leaving no room for defiance.

“Yes, I will rest,” she replied quickly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Satisfied, Advik returned to his quiet focus, though the authority in his tone still lingered in the car. When they finally reached her home, he stepped out first, walking around to open the door for her. It was a gesture that might have been perceived as considerate by others, buts Ruhani knew better — it was about control.

Once inside, her parents greeted Advik warmly. Her father extended his hand, and Advik shook it firmly, his demeanor softening immediately as he spoke to them.

“Good evening, mumma, papa.” Advik said respectfully, a small but respectful smile on his lips. “I’ve brought Ruhani back home. She needs to rest before tomorrow.”

Her parents, clearly relieved, smiled back. “Thank you, beta. We were getting worried.”

Advik turned his attention to her, his tone shifting again, more commanding now. “Ruhi, go to your room. I need to talk to your parents privately.”

Ruhani looked at him for a moment, sensing the shift in his demeanor, and then obediently made her way upstairs without a word.

Once she was out of sight, Advik’s expression softened again as he turned to her parents. “I’ve been meaning to speak with you about her health. I’m suspecting something — possibly a peptic ulcer, though I need to confirm it.”

Her father’s brow furrowed in concern. "Ruhani didn’t mention anything that serious…”

Advik nodded gravely. “She’s been avoiding medical checkups, papa. I’ve already taken a blood sample from her earlier today.”

Her father’s eyes widened in surprise. “A blood sample... Ruhani’s terrified of doctors, she always avoids them at all costs. How did you manage?”

Advik’s voice grew firm but not unkind. “I didn’t give her a choice. This is too important to delay any further. Has she complained about stomach pain before?”

Her father shook his head. “No, never.”

Advik sighed deeply, the weight of the situation clear in his expression. “She’s been hiding this for a while, but I’ll handle it. There’s no need for you to worry. I’ll take care of everything.”

Her father’s shoulders relaxed slightly, and he placed a hand on Advik’s shoulder. “Thank you, beta. We’re grateful you’re here for her.”

Advik nodded, his tone becoming more determined. “It’s my responsibility now, papa. She’s my fiancée, and her well-being is my priority.”

There was a brief pause before Advik looked between her parents, his expression growing more serious. “There’s something else I want to discuss. Along with the engagement tomorrow, I want to register the marriage.”

Both her parents looked at him in shock. Her mother was the first to speak, her voice filled with uncertainty. “Register the marriage? Tomorrow? Isn’t it a bit soon?”

Advik’s face remained calm, but his tone left no room for argument. “I’m a busy man, Mumma. I can’t afford to drag this out any longer than necessary. The wedding ceremony will go ahead as planned, but the legalities need to be finalized tomorrow.”

Her father, though surprised, quickly nodded, realizing Advik’s decision was final. “If that’s what you want, beta. We’ll support it.”

Her mother, still processing the sudden announcement, asked gently, “But why so soon? Is there a rush?”

Advik’s expression remained stoic. “It’s not about rushing, Mumma. The sooner it’s done, the better. There’s been too much attention from the media already, and I don’t want to deal with more rumors. Once it’s official, the press won’t have anything else to speculate about.”

Her father, understanding the practicality of Advik’s decision, nodded again. “We trust you, beta. If you think it’s best, we’ll go ahead with it.”

Advik gave a respectful nod, his tone softening briefly. “Thank you. I’ll make sure everything is handled properly.”

With that, Advik excused himself politely. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to speak with Ruhani before I leave.”

Her father smiled. “Of course... Go ahead.”

Advik made his way upstairs and knocked once on Ruhani’s door before entering. Ruhani was sitting on her bed, her face pale and tense. She looked up at him, the unease clear in her eyes.

“Advik,” she began softly, her voice shaking slightly.

He didn’t let her finish. His presence seemed to fill the room as he stepped closer, his tone stern but controlled. “You’re to stay inside and rest today, Ruhani. No unnecessary outings. If you need anything, you’ll contact me. Under no circumstances are you to leave this house without my permission. Do you understand?”

Ruhani’s heart raced as she nodded quickly, but Advik’s sharp gaze told her that wasn’t enough.

“Answer me,” he ordered.

“Yes, I understand,” she replied, her voice small.

Satisfied, Advik continued, his tone firm. “Tomorrow, we’re not just getting engaged. We’ll be registering the marriage as well.”

Ruhani’s eyes widened in shock, her mind struggling to process what he was saying. “Tomorrow? But… Advik, I’m not ready for that. Can’t we wait a little longer?”

Advik’s jaw tightened, and his eyes bore into hers, leaving no room for negotiation. “There’s no more time, Baby. I’ve already made the arrangements. The registration will happen tomorrow.”

Ruhani’s heart pounded in her chest as she tried to protest. “Please, Advik… I just need more time to think.”

He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a cold, commanding tone. “Time for what? You’re already mine, with or without the paperwork. This is just a formality. The engagement is happening, the marriage will be registered, and that’s final.”

Ruhani looked down, her hands trembling slightly as she gripped the bedspread. “I just didn’t expect it to be so soon,” she whispered.

Advik’s eyes softened for the briefest moment, but his voice remained firm. “It’s better this way. The media won’t have anything to speculate about once it’s official. I’m not giving you a choice in this.”

Ruhani nodded, knowing there was no use arguing further. “Okay.”

Advik leaned down slightly, his eyes locking with hers. “Remember, baby from now on, every decision goes through me. You don’t make a move without my knowledge. Is that clear?”

“Yes,” she replied, her voice barely audible.