ENIGMA

Steady Control 2

Both Mr. and Mrs. Malhotra stared at him in shock, unable to hide their surprise. Mrs. Malhotra’s hand flew to her chest as she shook her head in disbelief. "No, Advik! You aren’t taking her! I can’t bear to be away from her… she’s my only baby now!"

Advik’s expression remained calm, though a hint of firmness crept into his tone. "Mom, this isn’t up for debate. I think it’s the best decision for her."

Mr. Malhotra looked at him seriously, his gaze steady. "Advik, we deserve an explanation. Why do you feel she needs to go with you?"

Advik paused, choosing his words carefully. "I believe Inaya will benefit from a change in environment. Her schooling arrangements can easily be adjusted, and I want to ensure she’s somewhere safe. Given recent events, it’s better for her to be with me and Ruhani for now."

Mrs. Malhotra’s eyes softened, but her voice held a note of pleading. "What? recent events Advik? I understand you’re concerned, but I don’t know if I can bear to part with her."

Advik reached across the table, placing a reassuring hand over his mother’s. "I know, Mom. But trust me on this. I’m only doing what I feel is best for Inaya." He looked between his parents, his gaze unwavering. "I’ll make sure she’s well taken care of. You have my word."

Mr. Malhotra sighed, exchanging a glance with his wife."Dad. This isn’t permanent. Just until things settle down."

Mrs. Malhotra, visibly distressed, shook her head vehemently. "No, Advik! Absolutely not!" She turned to her husband, her eyes pleading. "We’re her parents. We raised you, Advik, and we can raise her too! She’s our responsibility, and I can’t imagine our home without her."

Advik remained calm but firm. "Mom, I understand how you feel. But there’s more to this than you realize." He looked at his father, then back at his mother. "I had a meeting with her principal yesterday."

Mr. Malhotra’s brow furrowed. "Meeting with her principal? Why didn’t you tell us sooner?"

"I wanted to gather all the details first," Advik explained. "It turns out she’s been struggling more than we knew. She failed her recent tests, and the school has decided not to allow her to sit for her board exams this year."

Mrs. Malhotra gasped, her hand covering her mouth in shock. "What? How could this happen? She’s always been such a good student!"

Advik sighed, his voice softer but still steady. "Mom, sometimes kids hide things because they don’t want to disappoint us. Inaya might be going through more than we realize. Her grades have been slipping, and right now, staying here isn’t helping her."

Mr. Malhotra looked at his son thoughtfully. "So, you think taking her with you will help?"

"I do," Advik replied confidently. "A change in environment might give her the focus and support she needs. I can make sure she gets the right help. Staying here would only add more pressure on her."

Mrs. Malhotra, her voice trembling, said, "But she’s so young, Advik… being away from home, from us…"

"I know, Mom," he said gently, reaching out to hold her hand. "But this isn’t forever. I want her to feel supported and have a fresh start. It’s just until she’s back on track."

"You have my word," he replied reassuringly. "I’ll make sure she’s well taken care of."

Mrs. Malhotra’s eyes hardened as she looked at Advik, her tone unyielding. "No, Advik. I don’t care what’s happened. She’s not going anywhere. Whatever it takes, we’ll handle it here. She’s staying with us."

Advik’s expression grew serious, his patience thinning as he leaned forward slightly, his voice firm. "Mom, you’re not understanding the situation fully." He took a steadying breath. "Inaya didn’t just fail her exams. Yesterday, she ran away with one of her senior classmates."