ENIGMA

RESPITE

Carefully, Advik lifted her and carried her to another room in the farmhouse. The space was stunning—a room with three glass walls framed in black, the big bed in the center inviting and serene. The gentle sound of a fountain trickled in through the open sliding glass doors, creating a peaceful ambiance. Beyond the glass walls, a second layer of glass shielded them from the outside world, ensuring privacy.

He set her down gently on the bed and then slid open the glass doors, letting in the calming sounds of the fountain. As he moved to a drawer and retrieved an ointment, he turned to Ruhani, who was still visibly shaken.

“Alright, Ruhani,” Advik said, his voice firm but gentle. “I need you to flip over so I can help you.”

She looked at him with a mix of embarrassment and vulnerability. “Do I have to?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Advik’s expression softened slightly, but his tone remained reassuring. “Yes, you need to. I’m going to be your husband, and nothing changes that. There’s nothing to be shy about. I’m here to help you.”

With a deep breath, Ruhani slowly complied, flipping over on the bed. She covered herself with a duvet, exposing only what was necessary. Advik approached her, gently sliding down her panties to apply the ointment.

As he began, Ruhani winced. “Ah! Adi, it burns... Please, let it be.”

Advik chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood despite the situation. “You know, I never thought I’d find someone who could make this ointment seem like such a challenge. I’ve used it before, but you’re the first one who’s made it feel like a test.”

Ruhani tried to stifle a sob, her voice quivering. “It’s not funny. It really hurts.”

“I’m sorry,” Advik said, though his tone was still laced with a hint of amusement. “I’m just trying to ease the tension. But I promise, this will help you feel better. It’s almost over.”

As he continued applying the ointment, Ruhani whimpered and wriggled. “No, please. Can’t you be a bit gentler? It’s so intense.”

Advik maintained his gentle hold, his voice softening. “I know it’s uncomfortable, but I need to make sure it’s applied properly. I’ll be as gentle as I can.”

He continued his work, the banter between them helping to shift the focus from pain to a shared moment of intimacy. As Ruhani's initial discomfort started to ease, she found herself able to laugh softly at Advik's playful remarks.

“Alright, alright,” Advik said with a grin. “I’ve never had to be so careful with this stuff before. Maybe you’ve just found a new way to test my patience.”

Ruhani managed a small laugh through her tears. “I guess I’m full of surprises.”

Advik finished applying the ointment and gently helped her settle back under the duvet. “There, all done. You should start feeling better soon. Just rest for a while, okay?”

She nodded, feeling a mix of relief and lingering pain. “Thank you. I really needed this.”

Advik brushed a stray tear from her cheek. “You’re welcome. Just remember, I’m here for you. Always.”

Ruhani shifted slightly under the duvet, her voice softening. “I just wish it didn’t have to be this painful.”

“I know,” Advik said gently. “But sometimes, the things that hurt the most are the ones that help us grow. Just remember, I’m here for you through it all. You’re not alone.”

As Ruhani lay back on the bed, the warmth of the room and the soothing sounds of the fountain helped her relax. Advik stayed by her side, his presence a comforting reminder of their bond despite the intensity of the earlier moments.

As Ruhani adjusted herself on the bed, her expression brightened a little. “This place is amazing, Adi. I never imagined I’d end up here.”

Advik smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Seems like someone’s growing fond of my new name.”

Ruhani blushed, a shy smile creeping across her face. “It’s not the name; it’s just... this place is beautiful.”

She tried to sit up, her voice trembling slightly. “Advik, my parents will be worried. I need to go back.”

Advik placed a gentle but firm hand on her shoulder, pressing her back down. “Don’t sit up, baby. Just relax.”

Ruhani’s eyes widened. “But I really need to—”

Advik’s expression hardened slightly. “No, Ruhani. You need to stay down. I want you to rest.”

Realizing he needed to let her understand the lesson herself, Advik withdrew his hand, allowing her to sit up. The instant she did, she winced in pain and nearly started to cry.

Advik chuckled softly, observing her discomfort. “You don’t need to resist everything I say. Sometimes it’s easier if you just listen.”

Ruhani lay back down on her side, trying to find a more comfortable position. Her eyes filled with tears as she settled again. “It’s hard to just... relax.”

“Sleep now,” Advik instructed gently but firmly. “You need to rest.”

“But my parents—”

“I’ll handle that,” Advik assured her. “You focus on getting better. Everything else is taken care of.”

As Ruhani’s eyes started to close, her eyes fluttered open again, she noticed Advik taking the empty space beside her on the bed. Her gaze awkwardly shifted to him. “Adi, where are you going to sleep?” she asked, her voice soft.

Advik’s eyes widened slightly, adopting a stern look. “Sleep now. Enough talking in the middle of the night.” He reached over, taking his phone from the bedside table. “I’ll handle everything else. I’m calling Vikram to inform your parents in the morning.”

He dialed Vikram’s number, his voice low and commanding. “Vikram, handle the situation and let her parents know the essentials in the morning.” After ending the call, he placed the phone beside the bed, then turned off the bedside lamp.

Ruhani, trying to distract herself from her pain, picked up her phone and began scrolling through reels. Advik noticed this and his tone shifted from stern to concerned. “What are you doing now?”

Ruhani, caught off guard, looked up at him with a sheepish grin. “Just watching some reels to relax.”

Advik’s patience wore thin. “Give me your phone.”

She hesitated, her fingers gripping the phone tighter. “No! I need this to unwind.”

Advik’s expression grew more serious as he sat up, his tone sharp. “I think you need another lesson in listening, don’t you?”

Immediately, Ruhani locked her phone and clutched it to her chest. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop. Don’t be mad. I just wanted to take my mind off things.”

Advik’s demeanor softened slightly. “It’s not about being mad. You are not a machine, your body needs rest!”

Ruhani’s eyes were filled with a mix of relief and embarrassment. “I’m sorry. I just... I needed something to distract me.”

Advik sighed, his voice now a bit gentler. “Fine. But next time, listen without arguing. You’re already getting another lesson just by talking back.”

Ruhani nodded, her face flushed. “I understand. I’ll be good.”

Advik leaned back, watching her with a mix of amusement and concern. “Good. Now try to get some rest. I’ll be here if you need anything.”

Ruhani, feeling slightly chastised but reassured by his presence, settled back into her position. She sighed and placed the phone on the nightstand. “Okay Goodnight.”

Advik, satisfied with her response, lay back down and turned off the last light. He made sure she was comfortable and settled beside her, keeping a watchful eye as she drifted off to sleep, the night’s tension slowly melting away.