ENIGMA

Intimacy 🦋

Ruhani gathered a plate of food and made her way to Inaya's room, determined to reach her with kindness. She entered, setting the plate down gently beside her. "Ini, you haven't eaten all day. Please, just have a little, for me."

But Inaya turned away, her expression defiant. "I don't need anything from you. Why are you even here? I don't want this!" Her tone was sharp, almost mocking, and each word stung Ruhani more deeply.

Ruhani approached Inaya with a plate, her tone calm and gentle. "Ini, I know you're angry, but you need to eat something. Just a few bites, please?"

Inaya shot her a look filled with resentment. "I don't need anything from you or him. Why don't you go and do what you do best-agree with whatever Bhaiyya says?"

Ruhani took a deep breath, trying to stay patient. "Ini, I'm trying to help. Don't make this harder than it has to be."

"Help?" Inaya sneered, pushing the plate away. "You're not helping me. You're just playing the obedient little wife, doing whatever he wants. I'm nothing like you, and I never will be."

Just then, the door swung open, and Advik walked in. His expression was harsh and unyielding, his eyes narrowed as he took in the scene. His voice was colder than ever, carrying a tone that left no room for argument. "If you're going to act like this, then you don't deserve to be treated with kindness. You can go without food until you learn some respect. You won't get another bite until you decide to ask for it properly."

Inaya crossed her arms, trying to hold onto her defiance. "I don't care. Starve me if you want."

Advik's gaze turned sharper, his voice cutting through her defiance. "You're already pushing every limit, Inaya. I have been more than patient, but this behavior will not be tolerated under my roof."

Ruhani tried to interject, placing a hand gently on his arm. "Adi, please. She's frustrated. She's just lashing out. Give her a chance to cool down-"

Advik didn't look at Ruhani. His tone remained cold as he kept his gaze on Inaya. "She's been given enough chances. If she thinks she can speak like this, she'll face the consequences."

He took a step closer to Inaya, his voice a low warning. "Understand this: you have no privileges left, not until you can learn basic respect. You will stay in the guest room with nothing more than what you need, and if you think this is unfair, you'll soon see I can make it far more unfair."

Inaya's face paled, and she looked away, the weight of his authority finally breaking through her defiance. But she kept her silence, refusing to let him see her fear.

"Ruhani, leave her be," he commanded, his voice unrelenting. "If she's too proud to take what's given, then let her go without. She'll ask for it when she's ready to change her attitude."

Without another word, he took the plate from Ruhani's hands and walked out, leaving an air of finality in his wake. His parting instruction was clear, his tone leaving no room for question. "Inaya will be moved to the guest room immediately. And from now on, she earns every privilege back with her actions."

As they sat down at the dining table, Advik's frustration simmered beneath the surface, his fingers gripping the fork tightly. He let out a sharp exhale, glancing at Ruhani. "I can't believe this. The way she's reacting... it's surreal. It's as if she's a different person. Where is she even getting these ideas from?"

Ruhani placed a calming hand over his, her tone soothing. "Adi, she's young and stubborn, but she's also scared. She probably feels like she's losing control over her own choices. Give her time."

Advik shook his head, his jaw tense. "I've tried being patient."

They both tried to eat, but the tension in the room was too thick. After barely a few bites, they exchanged a resigned look and pushed their plates away.