ENIGMA

Fresh Air

Inaya’s fingers flew over her phone screen as she messaged Arnab, the adrenaline coursing through her veins, making her heart race. She had been waiting for this moment for a chance to reconnect with him, away from the suffocating watch of her brother Advik.

Inaya: "Hey, Arnab, are you okay? I just wanted to check on you."

The response came almost immediately, and it was loaded with fear.

Arnab: "Why are you texting me? Do you want to get me killed?!"

Inaya sighed, rolling her eyes before typing back, her frustration evident in every word.

Inaya: "I'm sorry, Arnab. Relax, okay?"

Arnab wasn’t convinced.

Arnab: "No, please. If your brother finds out, I’m done for sure! It’s better if we stay away from each other."

Inaya clenched her jaw, her rebellious spirit flaring. She wasn’t going to let Advik, or anyone else, for that matter, dictate her choices anymore.

"Listen to me, Arnab. Bhaiyya went to Hyderabad. He isn’t here. And let me tell you something—my mom made it clear that he can’t control my life anymore!"

There was a pause, and then Arnab’s message popped up.

"Wait... what? You’re serious?"

"Dead serious. This is our life, Arnab, and we can choose how we want to live it. And I choose you."

Arnab’s reply came slower this time, as though he was processing her words.

"Alright. I was in a really dark place, Inaya. I didn’t know what to do. But two men dropped me back home this morning... now that explains why!"

Inaya smirked, imagining the lengths Advik must have gone to. But she pushed those thoughts aside, determined to focus on her and Arnab’s future.

"My mom was furious with Bhaiyya for interfering with my life. And she’s right—I’m old enough to make my own choices, and I choose you, Arnab. Do you hear me? I CHOOSE YOU."

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she blinked them away, determined to stay strong.

"Yes, baby, I get it. I’m with you. But... do you think we can meet? Is that even possible?"

Inaya grinned mischievously, her rebellious streak fully ignited now.

Inaya: "Of course it’s possible. Just leave it to me."

♡♡♡♡♡

Later that evening, Inaya found her mom in the luxurious sitting room, sipping tea from a delicate porcelain cup as she scrolled through her phone. The soft glow of the chandelier illuminated the space, highlighting the polished marble floors and tasteful decor.

Inaya walked in with her usual dramatic flair, her phone in hand, looking utterly exasperated.

“Mom, I really need to go out tonight. I just need to see my friend for a bit.” she said, plopping down onto the plush velvet couch.

Mrs. Malhotra looked up, her expression kind but slightly wary. “Ini, you’ve been out quite a lot lately. Don’t you think you should rest tonight? You can always go tomorrow.”

Inaya groaned loudly, leaning back against the couch with an exaggerated eye roll. “Mom, this isn’t fair! I’m not some little kid who needs to stay home just because you think I’m tired. It’s not like I’m asking to fly to Paris!”

Mrs. Malhotra put her phone down, folding her hands in her lap. “It’s not just about rest, beta. What will Advik say if he finds out?”

Inaya immediately sat up, her frustration flaring. “Oh, for God’s sake! Not Bhaiyya again!” she snapped.