ENIGMA

Family

After some time, Advik and Inaya joined the dining table, the aroma of the food filling the air.

As the maids served the food, the kitchen filled with the delightful aroma of freshly cooked dishes. Mrs. Malhotra settled comfortably at the dining table, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she watched her son and daughter share a meal.

“Did you hear what your mother said today?” she started, a playful grin spreading across her face. “She said she wants grandkids soon!! And with you and Ruhani’s engagement tomorrow, why not start planning for those babies, hmm?”

Advik nearly choked on his food. “Mom! Not this again!” he exclaimed, trying to suppress a smile while rolling his eyes.

Inaya giggled, her eyes lighting up. “Yeah, bhaiyya! You should definitely get married and have babies! Imagine little Adi running around!”

“Little Adi? God help us all! Two rebels in one place? I can't even think about it!” he replied, shaking his head dramatically.

Inaya continued to tease him, pulling his leg playfully. “Come on, it wouldn’t be so bad! We could have a whole gang!”

But Advik shot her a fierce look, the kind that instantly made her freeze and stop her teasing. “No more of that!” he warned, a mock-serious tone in his voice.

Mrs. Malhotra, undeterred by her son’s glare, leaned in with a sly smile. “Oh, come on! A mini version of you causing trouble everywhere would be adorable! Plus, it would keep you on your toes.”

“Yeah, but can you imagine the chaos?” Advik countered. “I’m not sure the world is ready for two of me!”

Mrs. Malhotra laughed heartily. “Exactly! Just picture it: little Adi getting into mischief with Ini...”

Inaya chimed in, giggling. “I would definitely be the cool aunt who encourages the chaos!”

“Yeah, because we need more of that!” Advik replied sarcastically, rolling his eyes again.

Advik leaned back in his chair, feigning exasperation. “Alright, you two are getting ahead of yourselves. I’m not ready for all that responsibility. I still have to deal with you!”

Mrs. Malhotra smirked. “Imagine me with a little grandbaby to spoil!”

Advik’s face turned beet red, and he waved his hands in protest. “Whoa, let’s not push it! Just because we’re engaged doesn’t mean we’re planning a family right now!”

“Yet!” Inaya chimed in, smirking. “Come on, bhaiyya! Give us something to look forward to! Everyone’s waiting for the wedding date and the announcement of little Adi or little Inaya!”

“Little Inaya?” Advik shot back, laughter in his voice. “God save us from another rebel! We already have one!”

Mrs. Malhotra laughed, shaking her head. “And what about your future wife, huh? Are you ready to handle the stress of having two girls in the house?”

“Please, Mom! I barely manage one!” he replied, feigning exasperation. “What makes you think I can handle two?”

Inaya crossed her arms, pretending to be offended. “What do you mean, manage? I’m a breeze compared to what you’re going to deal with in marriage!”

Advik chuckled, “A breeze? More like a hurricane! I can already picture the chaos. ‘Bhaiyya, I need help with my homework!’ ‘Bhaiyya, I forgot to eat breakfast again!’ ‘Bhaiyya, I need you to rescue me from trouble because I’m in a mess I created!’”

Mrs. Malhotra joined in, giggling. "You’re in for a wild ride, Advik!”

As they continued to eat, the light-hearted conversation flowed easily, filling the room with warmth and laughter. The maids served dessert—a delicious chocolate cake—and Mrs. Malhotra couldn’t resist one last quip.