ENIGMA

Face to Face

The principal hesitated when Advik interjected, his voice low and commanding. "No. Before calling Inaya, bring in one of her friends."

Both Ruhani and the principal looked at him, surprised. The principal opened her mouth to object, but Advik’s steely gaze made her pause. She quickly nodded, signaling to her secretary.

Moments later, a nervous-looking girl entered, clutching her bag tightly. She avoided Advik's piercing gaze, her shoulders tense as she glanced at the principal, unsure why she’d been called in.

Advik didn’t waste a second. “Sit,” he commanded, his tone leaving no room for questions. She obeyed immediately, glancing uneasily at the principal and Ruhani.

He leaned forward, his eyes sharp as he looked directly at her. “I’ll get straight to the point,” he said, his voice cold. “Does Inaya smoke?”

The girl’s eyes widened, and she fidgeted in her seat, clearly uncomfortable. "I... I don't know," she stammered, avoiding his gaze.

Advik’s tone hardened, unwavering. “Let me make something clear. The school administration has already decided to terminate you due to your recent behavior. But I can stop that and negotiate it down to a suspension. That is, if you’re honest with me.”

The girl swallowed, her gaze darting between Advik and the principal, who gave her a small, encouraging nod. “And in case you lie," Advik added, his eyes narrowing, "you’ll leave me no choice. We already know the truth. I’m giving you an opportunity to tell me directly.”

She hesitated, her fingers twisting in her lap as she whispered, “I… I don’t want to get her in trouble.”

Advik’s eyes didn’t waver. “Your silence is what’s getting her into trouble. If you’re her friend, you’ll answer honestly.”

After a tense pause, she finally nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “She… didn’t use to. But recently… she does. Occasionally.”

Ruhani’s hand flew to her mouth in shock, while Advik’s gaze darkened further, the muscles in his jaw tightening. The girl immediately looked down, apologetic. “I’m sorry, sir. I know it’s wrong. I should have told someone…”

“Leave,” he ordered curtly, and the girl stood quickly, her face flushed as she hurried out of the room.

Advik took a deep breath, his expression hard as he turned to the principal. “Call Inaya,” he said, his voice filled with cold authority.

The principal nodded, clearly uneasy, and pressed the intercom. "Please bring Inaya to my office," she instructed, her voice shaky.

Moments later, the door creaked open, and Inaya stepped in, looking uncertain. She froze the instant her eyes landed on her brother, her face draining of color. Her gaze shifted from Advik’s stern expression to Ruhani’s concerned one, and she took a step back, as if contemplating an escape.

Her voice trembled as she stammered, "B-Bhaiyya?"

Advik’s gaze bore into her, unyielding. “Yes, Inaya. Sit down.”

Inaya swallowed hard, barely managing to nod as she took the seat across from him. She looked at the principal, as if hoping for some kind of explanation, but the principal only offered a sympathetic glance.

“Inaya,” Advik began, his voice low and steady, but unmistakably firm. “Care to explain what’s been going on?”

Inaya’s gaze dropped to her hands. “I… I don’t know what you mean, Bhaiyya.”

Advik’s jaw clenched. “Then allow me to clarify. Your grades have been slipping, you’ve been skipping assignments, and now you’re associating with people who think it’s acceptable to disrupt school policies and rules and indulge in behaviors you know I’d never tolerate.”