ENIGMA

Struggles

Inaya sat on her bed, her stomach still aching from the day's events, but there was a sense of quiet contentment growing in her. The food the maid had brought smelled delicious, and Inaya gratefully ate her dinner, savoring every bite. Despite the pain, she couldn't help but feel a sense of peace, knowing that she and Arnab were finally together.

As she scrolled through Instagram, watching funny reels to distract herself, she heard a soft knock on the door. Her mom walked in, holding a phone in her hand.

"Inaya, it's Advik," Mrs. Malhotra said with a gentle smile.

Inaya's heart skipped a beat at the mention of her brother's name. She quickly nodded, trying to mask any lingering anxiety. "Mom, I’ll be back from the bathroom in a moment. I’ll talk to him then. Just give me a couple of minutes."

Mrs. Malhotra smiled, a little knowingly, and handed her the phone. "Alright, beta."

Inaya smiled back. She took a deep breath, setting the phone down next to her and quickly making her way to the bathroom.

Inaya sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her phone screen. Her mind was in a whirlwind of thoughts, fear gnawing at her. The day’s events had left her in a state of confusion and unease. Why did her brother's name alone make her stomach churn? Why did the idea of him finding out about today fill her with dread? She let out a shaky breath, trying to push the thoughts away, but they lingered like a dark cloud.

A sharp knock on the bathroom door startled her. “Inaya?” her mother’s voice came softly, breaking her spiraling thoughts.

“I’m coming,” she managed to reply, forcing her voice to sound normal. Opening the door, she found Mrs. Malhotra standing there, holding out the phone.

Inaya hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. “I’ll take it,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She took the phone, her palms damp with sweat.

“Hello?” she said tentatively.

“Inaya,” Advik’s voice came through, steady and authoritative as always. There was a calmness to it that only made her more nervous. “What are you doing?”

“I was just getting ready to sleep,” she replied quickly, her voice betraying her nervousness.

“How are you feeling? Any pain or discomfort?” His tone softened slightly, showing a sliver of concern.

“I’m okay, Bhaiyya,” she said, hoping the short answer would satisfy him.

“Good,” he replied. Then, with a hint of formality, he continued, “Tomorrow, Karan Bhaiyya will be visiting to dress your wound. Don’t argue with him. Just cooperate. It’s important for your recovery.”

Her stomach clenched. She hated the idea of anyone touching her injuries. “I don’t want any injections, Bhaiyya,” she said, her voice laced with apprehension.

“He’s not going to give you an injection,” Advik said firmly. “He’ll only change the dressing. Stop overthinking it.”

She nodded, though he couldn’t see her. “Okay,” she murmured.

“Are you eating properly?” he asked, his voice shifting back to his usual strict tone.

“Yes,” she replied.

“Good. Don’t give Mom and Dad any trouble, and open your books for a while. I don’t want you wasting time on nonsense.”

“Yes, Bhaiyya, I am sorry for what I did.” she answered, her voice growing smaller with each word.

A pause hung in the air before Advik spoke again, his tone sharper now. “We are not discussing this.”

Her blood ran cold. He knew. She could sense it in his voice—the disappointment, the quiet anger.