ENIGMA

CHAPTER 14

Ruhani's defiance began to wane under Advik's unyielding gaze. She took the clothes and went to change, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and intimidation. As she slipped into the oversized shirt and track pants, she couldn't shake off the feeling of being cornered, her usual confidence replaced by a growing sense of vulnerability.

When she re-entered the drawing room, she found Advik already seated at the dining table, his posture commanding and his eyes sharp. He looked up as she approached, his expression unreadable but undeniably authoritative.

Ruhani hesitated for a moment, feeling a knot of apprehension tightening in her chest. She slowly took a seat opposite Advik, her eyes briefly meeting his before she looked away, unable to maintain eye contact.

"Eat," Advik said, his tone leaving no room for argument. The simple command carried an intensity that made Ruhani feel even smaller.

She picked up a piece of toast, her hands slightly trembling. The silence between them was heavy, punctuated only by the occasional clink of cutlery. Advik's presence was overpowering, a constant reminder of the precarious situation she found herself in.

Advik's eyes bore into Ruhani as she nibbled on her toast. After a few moments, he broke the silence. "Ruhani, isn't it?"

She nodded, swallowing hard. "Yes."

"Where are you from, Ruhani?" Advik's voice was calm but carried an undercurrent of strictness.

"Mumbai," Ruhani replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"And what brings you to Bangkok?" Advik continued, his eyes never leaving her face.

"Vacation," she answered, her usual confidence completely shattered. "I just wanted to have some fun."

Silence followed!

Ruhani's hands fidgeted nervously in her lap. "I was just... looking for a good time. I didn't think it through."

"Clearly," Advik said, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Do you often go out and drink to the point of losing control?"

Ruhani shook her head vehemently. "No, it was just... a one-time thing."

Advik's gaze remained fixed on her, assessing her words. "One-time thing or not, you put yourself in a very vulnerable position. What if I hadn't found you? Do you have any idea what could have happened?"

Ruhani felt a lump in her throat, tears threatening to spill again. "I know, I know it was stupid. I won't do it again, I promise."

As Ruhani was eating, Inaya joined them at the dining table. A servant placed a plate of food in front of her, filled with various vegetables. Inaya's displeasure was evident as she frowned at the unappealing meal. Advik's scrutinizing gaze never left her, while Ruhani, noticing the little girl's discomfort, felt a pang of sympathy.

"Baby, we can share if you want," Ruhani offered gently.

Inaya glanced nervously at Advik, who was staring straight into her eyes with a look so intense it seemed to pierce her very soul. His authoritative presence was palpable, making both Inaya and Ruhani feel small and vulnerable.

"Ini, start eating," Advik ordered, his voice firm and unyielding.

Feeling emboldened yet nervous, Ruhani spoke up, "If you don't mind, could you please give her something more palatable?"

Advik's gaze shifted to Ruhani, his eyes narrowing slightly. The weight of his stare was overwhelming, and Ruhani quickly looked down, focusing intently on her own meal, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Inaya," Advik's voice cut through the tension like a knife, "stop playing and start eating. You're not supposed to throw tantrums right now, understood?"

Inaya nodded quickly, her fear evident. She picked up her fork and reluctantly began to eat, her movements small and hesitant.

Advik's presence dominated the room, his strictness ensuring that neither Ruhani nor Inaya would dare to challenge his authority again. The atmosphere was thick with an unspoken understanding that Advik's word was final, and any resistance would be futile.

As Ruhani finished eating, Advik turned his attention to Inaya, his tone as commanding as ever. "Inaya, go back to your room and start studying."

Ruhani, caught off guard, was drinking water and nearly choked. "Aren't you guys on vacation?" she blurted out.

Inaya glanced nervously at Ruhani, then at Advik. Advik's scrutinizing gaze shifted between the two of them, a silent demand for compliance that left no room for argument.

Inaya, sensing the tension, was about to respond when Advik's voice cut through the air with a steely edge. "Ini! Go."

Inaya immediately stood up, her movements hurried and obedient. Without another word, she hurried back to her room, leaving Ruhani alone with Advik's intense scrutiny.

Ruhani felt an overwhelming urge to escape this oppressive environment where even breathing seemed to require permission. She quickly gathered her things, ready to leave the suffocating atmosphere behind.

Just as she was about to step out, Advik’s voice, calm yet commanding, stopped her in her tracks. “Sit down. You are not leaving until your identity is confirmed.”

Advik stood up from his chair, his presence even more intimidating as he towered over her.

“What?” Ruhani jumped, her heart racing. “I have to go. You can’t force me.”

“Try me,” Advik responded, his voice cold and unyielding.

Determined to escape, Ruhani muttered, “Okay, I will try you then.” She rushed back to her room, grabbed her dress, and hurried to the door. She tried to open it, but it wouldn’t budge.

Advik approached, his expression unreadable. He placed his fingerprint on the scanner, and the door unlocked with a soft click. Ruhani felt a mix of foolishness and frustration as she realized how futile her attempt had been.

Stepping out of the room, she was met with an unexpected sight. More than ten security personnel stood guard, each armed and vigilant. The sight of so many armed guards shocked her to her core, making her realize just how serious Advik was about keeping her contained.

“Now,” Advik said, his voice cutting through her shock, “sit down and let’s talk. You’re not going anywhere until I’m satisfied with your answers.”