ENIGMA

Morning

Author's Note:

My sweet readers,

First, a huge thank you for all the love and support you've shown! As promised, I’m thrilled to bring you a brand new update after reaching our goal of 10 votes on the last four chapters.

I hope you enjoy this latest chapter as much as I loved writing it. Your feedback always makes my day, so feel free to share your thoughts! More exciting things are coming, and I can’t wait to share them with you.

Take my love and happy reading! 💖

♡♡♡♡♡♡

Advik stirred awake around 5 AM, his internal clock always sharp and precise. He glanced at Ruhani, still fast asleep beside him. Her face was peaceful, almost childlike, her hair tousled like a messy panda. He couldn’t help but shake his head, a smirk forming on his lips as he thought, How childish she is. It was moments like these that revealed her innocence despite everything, making him feel protective but also slightly irritated by how unaware she was of the world around her.

He quietly got out of bed, careful not to disturb her, and went to brush his teeth. After freshening up, he took out a pair of clothes and changed into his gym attire. Before leaving the room, he glanced at her one last time. She was still curled up, her breathing steady, lost in sleep. Let her sleep a bit longer, he thought, deciding to let her rest for now.

He walked to Inaya’s room, where she was still bundled up in her blanket, and knocked lightly before stepping in. "Ini, time to wake up," he said in his authoritative but gentle tone.

Inaya groaned, pulling the covers over her head. "Just five more minutes, bhai..."

Advik chuckled, though his voice remained firm. "No more minutes, Ini. You have school, and we don’t have all day. Get up, or I’ll have to pull you out of bed myself."

That did the trick. Inaya sat up, rubbing her eyes as she yawned. "Okay, okay! I'm up!"

Satisfied, he left her room and headed to the gym for his workout. An hour and twenty minutes later, drenched in sweat and feeling the satisfying burn of exertion, he returned to the house. To his surprise, Ruhani was still asleep. He sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. This girl... she sleeps like there’s no tomorrow.

Her breakfast would get cold if she didn’t wake up soon. He went to take a quick shower, hoping the sound of running water might stir her. After emerging from the bathroom, towel slung over his shoulder, he walked over to the bed, nudging her gently. "Ruhi, wake up," he said in a low, commanding voice.

Ruhani barely moved, only turning slightly, still deep in sleep. Advik’s patience was wearing thin. He sighed heavily and headed out to check on Inaya, who was now fully dressed and preparing her schoolbag.

"Good," he said, nodding approvingly. "Hurry up with your breakfast. I’ll drop you off."

On his way back to the kitchen, he instructed the chef, "Send a cup of coffee to Ruhani’s room. And make sure she eats something. She was fasting yesterday, and she can't skip breakfast." He thought to himself that it would be better if she woke up on her own, but at this rate, she might just sleep through the whole morning.

By 7:20 AM, after ensuring Inaya was ready for school, Advik returned to his room. Ruhani was still in bed. He frowned, his irritation growing. He leaned down and shook her shoulder more firmly this time. "Ruhani," his voice was sharper now, cutting through the silence. "You need to wake up."