ENIGMA

Steady Command

As Ruhani came out of the washroom, still adjusting her hair, Advik waited by the door and then guided her toward the breakfast table. His demeanor was calm but had an undercurrent of control that left little room for any lingering reluctance on her part.

"Sit," he instructed firmly, gesturing to the chair across from him.

She complied, still hesitant. As she glanced around the room, her fingers nervously fiddled with the edge of her napkin. "Advik…," she started, her voice soft and unsure. "Do… do Mom and Dad know about… everything that happened yesterday? Like when Inaya ran away, and, you know, all those things?"

Advik’s expression remained unreadable, a faint flicker of something sharper passing through his gaze before he answered. "No," he replied, his tone clipped and swift. "I handled it. There's no need for them to be burdened by things that have already been taken care of."

He took a sip of his black coffee, the subtle confidence in his movements a reminder of the authority he held. "You don't need to worry about these matters anymore, Ruhani," he continued, his voice firm but quieter, almost as if he was laying down a rule. "Focus on what you’re supposed to, and leave the rest to me."

She swallowed, still feeling a lingering anxiety. "But… shouldn’t they know? I mean, in case—"

"In case of what?" He cut her off, his gaze now locking onto hers, unblinking. "I said it’s handled. That should be enough for you."

"They were away when it happened, and I’ve made sure things are under control now," he replied, his voice calm but unyielding. "I’ll explain it in a way that doesn’t worry them unnecessarily. You don’t need to think about it any further."

"But what if they ask me something?" Ruhani pressed, still anxious. "What if—"

"They won’t," he interrupted, his tone firm. "And if they do, just tell them I’m handling it. Understand?"

Silence fell between them as Ruhani nodded, her questions fading under his commanding tone. His presence seemed to fill the room, a quiet but undeniable assertion of his control over the situation.

he straightened up, his tone growing a shade warmer but still holding an edge of authority. "Now, let’s focus on today. They’ll be here in twenty minutes, so I expect you to greet them warmly. Don’t let anything from yesterday linger on your face, alright?"

Ruhani managed a faint nod, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

As the chef placed the dishes on the table, Ruhani's face fell the moment she saw what was served—steamed veggies, oats, and a spinach smoothie. She had secretly hoped for something delicious and comforting, maybe even a little indulgent, but clearly, Advik had other plans.

"Take some of this upstairs to Inaya's room," he instructed, his tone firm but not unkind. "Make sure she eats properly and doesn’t skip anything."

The maid served the plates, and Ruhani reluctantly picked up her fork, pushing her oats around the bowl, her face scrunching in disappointment. Advik noticed and raised an eyebrow, his voice teasing but firm.

“What’s with the long face, Mrs. Malhotra?” he asked, leaning over to nudge her arm. “Breakfast doesn’t bite.”

She shot him a look, huffing. “I thought... maybe today, I’d get something more... exciting. Maybe parathas” she mumbled, making a face as she poked at a piece of spinach on her plate.

Advik chuckled, shaking his head. “Exciting, huh? Look, this breakfast is good for you. Vitamins, fiber, protein—everything you need.” He took a bite of his oats, raising an eyebrow as if to challenge her. “Besides, you’re the one who always says you want to stay healthy, right?”