ENIGMA

Messy

Their room was bathed in a soft, romantic glow, with fragrant flowers cascading from the ceiling and candles flickering in every corner. The delicate, warm light created an intimate ambiance, but it only heightened Ruhani’s anxiety. Her heart raced as she stood in the center of the room, feeling trapped within the heavy, ornate clothes she’d been wearing all day. The beautiful decorations couldn’t distract her from the uncomfortable reality—she was alone with Advik now, and she felt wholly unprepared for whatever might come next.

Advik entered the room, his sharp eyes immediately noticing her discomfort. Her fidgeting, the way her breath hitched in her throat, the tension in her body—everything told him she wasn’t at ease. He moved closer, his presence commanding, but his touch was gentle as he reached for the jewelry around her neck.

“I’ll help you take these off,” he murmured, his fingers brushing against her skin.

But the moment he touched her, she flinched. He paused, his expression hardening for a second before softening with understanding. He knew why she was anxious, but that didn’t mean he would let her retreat into herself.

“Why did you flinch?” he asked, his voice calm but firm.

Ruhani swallowed, her throat dry. “I… I’m not ready,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Advik’s eyes darkened with a quiet authority. He stepped closer, his breath warm against her skin. “First, I am your husband now. You’re supposed to be open to my touch. And second,” he continued, his hand brushing the back of her neck, “I was just trying to help you take off these heavy jewels so you can change into something more comfortable. You’re tired; I can see it.”

She tensed again, her anxiety flaring up. “I don’t have any clothes with me. I wasn’t prepared…”

Advik chuckled softly, his confidence palpable. “I’ve already arranged everything. There’s no need to worry about that.”

Ruhani blinked, surprised. How had he planned so far ahead? Before she could ask, he continued, “Now, I’ll help you change out of these clothes. You can’t manage it alone—the dress is too heavy, and your hair is pinned up tightly.”

“I can do it myself,” she replied quickly, her voice shaking. She turned to the wardrobe, searching desperately for something to wear. After what felt like an eternity, she selected a simple dress that would cover her properly. She held it close, as if it could protect her.

Advik raised an eyebrow, amused. “And who will you ask for help if you can’t manage?”

Without thinking, she blurted, “Your mother.”

His face hardened instantly, his voice turning cold. “My mother? Go on then. Explain to her why you don’t want your husband’s help. I’m sure she’ll love that.”

Ruhani’s face flushed with embarrassment. “I… I’m sorry,” she stammered, lowering her gaze. “But why does it matter so much?”

“No one in this house questions me,” he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Yet here you are, standing up to me on your first night. Impressive.”

Advik’s eyes were heavy with exhaustion as he spoke again, his voice more commanding. “You’ve got ten minutes, Ruhi, to undo it all. We both need to sleep.”

Ruhani’s stomach tightened with dread as she fumbled to remove her jewelry. The pins, clips, and flowers in her hair seemed more tangled with every tug. Frustration built, and the urge to cry welled up inside her. She could feel herself teetering on the edge.

Advik glanced at the clock. “You have five minutes left,” he said sternly, not even turning his head from the bed where he now sat, eyes closed.

Her hands trembled as she hurriedly removed her earrings and necklace, but the bangles and anklets still clung tightly. There was too much to do in too little time.

Advik sighed, standing up and walking toward her. “You’re either going to sleep like that,” he said, his voice edged with irritation, “or you’ll change, as I told you to.”

Ruhani swallowed hard. “I can’t sleep like this,” she admitted softly, exhausted.

Without a word, Advik retrieved a small packet from his wardrobe and handed it to her. His movements were calm, deliberate. “Here,” he said, his tone softer now but still firm.

Ruhani’s heart sank as she opened the packet. Inside was lacy, revealing nightwear—nothing like what she had expected. The sheer fabric and intricate lace made her stomach churn with embarrassment. She clutched the packet close to her chest, feeling exposed even just looking at it.

“I… I can’t wear this,” she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. “It’s too exposing.”

Advik, lounging back on the bed, didn’t even open his eyes. “Then don’t change at all. But you’re not sleeping like that either.”

Her heart pounded, the weight of her heavy lehenga becoming unbearable. The thought of spending the night in her wedding attire was overwhelming, yet the alternative filled her with dread.

Advik opened his eyes, his patience wearing thin. “Decide, Ruhi. Fast.”

Ruhani froze, unable to respond. When she didn’t move, Advik let out a frustrated sigh. “Fine,” he said, standing up. “Since you can’t decide, I’ll do it for you.”

Her body stiffened as he approached. Gently but firmly, he guided her to the edge of the bed. His hands moved with precision, removing her jewelry one piece at a time. Each bangle and necklace felt like a weight being lifted, but her anxiety only grew as he continued.

Advik worked silently, methodically, his touch gentle yet authoritative. Once her jewelry was off, he began undoing her hair. The pins tumbled out, and her hair fell loosely around her shoulders. His hands against her scalp were almost soothing, though she couldn’t relax.

“Now, the dress,” Advik said, his voice calm but unyielding.

Ruhani’s breath hitched. She hesitated as she reached for the pins on her dupatta, her fingers trembling. But she couldn’t manage it alone.

Advik watched her struggle, then stepped closer again. “You’re clearly having trouble. Let me help.”

“No,” she whispered, pulling away slightly. “It’s my blouse.”

Advik’s gaze narrowed. “It doesn’t matter. I’m your husband now. You’ll have to get used to my touch.”

Before she could protest, his fingers expertly unhooked her blouse. Her heart raced as she stood there, left in her red bridal bra. She felt exposed, vulnerable, but Advik remained composed.

“Go and change,” he instructed, his voice steady.

Ruhani looked down at the nightwear in her hands. “I can’t… I don’t want to wear this,” she whispered.

Advik’s patience had run out. “You’ve had your choice. This is your punishment for not deciding earlier.”

Ruhani’s heart pounded, and she felt trapped. Humiliated, she turned toward the bathroom, knowing she had no real choice. Inside, she stared at herself in the mirror, clutching the lacy nightwear. It barely covered her, and the thought of wearing it in front of Advik filled her with shame. But she had to obey.

When she returned, her head hung low. The nightwear clung to her like a second skin, offering no sense of protection. Advik’s eyes followed her as she climbed into bed beside him, though he said nothing. She lay there, feeling exposed, vulnerable, and completely at his mercy.