ENCHANTED - BY INNOCENCE (ongoing)

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Word count - 3922

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***Pritham***

"Vinod, I need your help," I said as I walked toward him. He was standing in the corridor, completely absorbed in admiring a massive statue.

"Anytime, my love. What happened?" he asked, his eyes still scanning the intricate detailing of the sword held by the stone warrior.

"I have something very offensive and controversial that I need to tell General Sir, and I don't know how to go about—" I paused when I noticed that he wasn't even listening, still engrossed in the craftsmanship.

"Vinod!" I snapped, frustrated.

"Oh—sorry," he immediately apologized, stepping back from the statue. "Statues distract me. Let's..." He took a few steps away from it. "Let's talk here," he said, giving me his full attention. "What were you saying?"

"I have something offensive and controversial that I need to tell General Sir, and I need your help on how to say it," I repeated, trying to calm my nerves.

"No, you don't," he replied casually.

"What do you mean I don't?" I asked, irritated. "I'm telling you—I need help."

"No, Pritham, you don't need help," Vinod said reassuringly. "Because General Sir is already inside the room... and he probably heard you. He'll ask you as soon as we enter the meeting."

"What?!" I froze, stunned. "Idiot!" I hissed, smacking him lightly on the head and walking away.

"You're welcome," he yelled back, annoyed. "Idiot," he muttered under his breath.

As I entered the meeting chambers, Vinod followed close behind. The general was still poring over his documents.

Vinod and I exchanged a glance. I raised my eyebrows, silently asking if he thought the general had heard us. He shrugged, uncertain.

But our answer came quickly.

"Pritham, get your name tag and sit beside me," the general said, making my heart skip a beat.

That was never the case... the general never rearranged seating.

"Vinod, take Pritham's place," he added.

"Yes, sir," Vinod nodded, half-relieved he wasn't under the general's scrutiny and half-concerned for my safety. I slowly made my way beside the general, placing my name tag on the table with a sinking feeling.

"What is the offensive and controversial thing you wish to tell me, Officer?" the general asked directly, his voice low and sharp.

I glanced at Vinod. He nodded, silently urging me to speak.

"I..." I hesitated. "Perhaps I could share it later this evening, sir... maybe—"

"You tell me now, or you get investigated this evening," he interrupted coldly.

I fell silent. What choice did I have?

I looked at Vinod again, then at the general, then down at the table.