ENIGMA

Date

Inaya stepped into the ice cream parlor, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on Arnab sitting in the corner booth. He looked up from his phone and broke into a smile when he saw her. As she walked over, his expression softened, and he stood to greet her. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around him in a quick but tight hug, careful with her injured hand.

“You made it,” Arnab said, his voice filled with a mix of relief and happiness as they sat down. “I was starting to think your mom would change her mind at the last minute.”

“Mom almost did,” Inaya replied with a playful roll of her eyes, shrugging off her oversized shirt to reveal her vest top beneath. “But you know me—I always find a way. Anyway, let’s not talk about her. Let’s just enjoy our time together.”

They placed their order—two sundaes, his with extra chocolate chips and hers with caramel drizzle. As they waited, Inaya leaned across the table, her eyes sparkling mischievously. “You know, this place is nice, but we need to do something more exciting next time. What do you think about going to a party or hitting up a nightclub?”

Arnab’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “A nightclub? You mean, like, with loud music, dancing, and… your brother possibly finding out?”

“Oh, please,” Inaya said, waving her hand dismissively. “Bhaiyya is in Hyderabad, remember? And even if he weren’t, he can’t control my life forever. Besides, I’ll make sure we’re careful. Imagine us dancing under those neon lights, sipping fancy mocktails… Doesn’t that sound fun?”

Arnab chuckled, shaking his head. "Honestly, it does sound fun. Do you think we could pull it off?”

“Of course we can!” she said confidently, leaning back in her seat. “I’ll even call my friends to join. More people, more fun. I’ll get Richa, Shanaya and Riya.”

Arnab gave her a skeptical look. “To grill me?”

Inaya laughed, the sound light and carefree. “A little bit, probably. But don’t worry, I’ll protect you from their interrogation.”

Their sundaes arrived, and they dug in, the conversation flowing effortlessly between bites.

“Okay, so what’s your go-to dance move?” Inaya asked, pointing her spoon at him.

Arnab pretended to think, tapping his chin. “Hmm, probably the awkward two-step. You know, the one where you sway side to side and hope no one’s watching too closely.”

Inaya burst out laughing. “Oh, I have to see that. You’re going to embarrass yourself, and I’m going to love every second of it.”

“Hey,” he said, mock-offended, “don’t underestimate me. I might surprise you.”

“Well, you’ll get your chance soon enough,” she said with a grin. “I’ll handle the planning—you just have to show up.”

“Deal,” he said, holding up his spoon like a toast.

They clinked spoons and continued talking, their laughter filling the cozy parlor. For a moment, the world outside didn’t exist—no family, no brother, no bodyguards, no rules. Just the two of them, sharing ice cream and dreams of a carefree night under the city lights.

As Inaya twirled her spoon in the empty sundae glass, Arnab glanced at his watch. “You know, we’ve been here for over an hour,” he said, leaning back in his chair.

“So? Are you tired of me already?” Inaya teased, resting her chin on her hand.

“Never,” Arnab replied with a grin. “But… I just remembered—my parents are out for the day. They won’t be back until late tonight. Would you… uh, would you mind coming over? We can hang out for a while.”