Page 106 of Strictly Solo

“They?” Kaushalya’s heart skipped a beat. “Who’s they?”

“Naina and Neil,” he replied casually, already striding toward the door.

Kaushalya felt her blood pressure rising as she hurried after him. Ruhaan swung the door open and there stood Naina in a powder blue button-down shirt tucked into tailored navy trousers, her hair pulled back in a neat bun. Her expression was professional, but Kaushalya could detect the tension written all over her face. Beside her was Neil who looked as cheerful as ever, clutching his small backpack and beaming with excitement. The boy’s innocent enthusiasm made Kaushalya’s heart clench, but she quickly steeled herself, unsure of what was coming next.

Ruhaan greeted Naina with a casual, “Hi,” his eyes sparkled with confidence knowing his plan was foolproof.

Naina nodded in return, but her displeasure was evident. Her lips tightened as though she were biting back the urge to scold Ruhaan for dragging her into this. Two days ago, when Ruhaan had proposed leaving Neil with his mother while they worked, Naina had strongly objected. But Ruhaan had convinced her to trust him, believing that if anyone could soften his mother’s stance against their marriage, it would be Neil’s innocent charm.

Kaushalya was still struggling to process what was happening.

“Ruhaan, what is the meaning of this? You didn’t even ask me properly!” she said, in anger and confusion.

“Mom, we’re already late, so there’s no time to debate this now. In fact, there’s no time for even calling Naina in right now,” Ruhaan announced, smoothly taking control of the situation before his mother could protest. “It’s just you and Neil for the day, okay? Don’t worry, I’ll call to check in during my breaks.”

Kaushalya gawked at him, utterly speechless. “But—”

Before she could finish, Neil piped up, “Hello, Daadi!” He stepped forward, his small hands clasped as he bent to touch her feet in a traditional gesture of respect. The sight disarmed her completely. For a moment, she forgot her irritation, placing her hand on his head to bless him out of reflex. The boy’s wide grin made her feel a flicker of something she wasn’t ready to acknowledge.

But she quickly steeled herself, shooting daggers at her son with her eyes. Neil was secretly thrilled about spending time in what would be his future home, though neither Ruhaan nor Naina had told him about their strategic convincing plans. They’d simply explained that they had work and needed someone to look after him.

Ruhaan hugged his mother quickly, perhaps to prevent any verbal protests, before pulling Neil to him.

“Champ, be good, okay? Take care of Daadi for me,” he said, winking at his mother.

“Don’t worry, Ruhaan. I’ll take care of Daadi!” he declared with all the seriousness a seven-year-old could muster.

Kaushalya shot Ruhaan a glare. “This is not how you leave a child with someone. What if—”

“You’ll do great, Mom. Trust me.” He didn’t let her finish. Hugging her quickly, he then stepped back, grabbing Naina’s hand and pulling her toward the elevator.

Naina hesitated. “Ruhaan, I don’t think we should do this.”

“You promised, Naina. Just trust me on this, okay?” He cut her off gently but firmly.

With a reluctant nod, she followed him, glancing back at Neil, who was now standing awkwardly in the doorway, smiling at Kaushalya.

“Bye, Ruhaan! Bye, Mom!” Neil called cheerfully, waving at them before they disappeared into the elevator.

Kaushalya stood in stunned silence as Neil shut the door behind them. Her head was spinning with disbelief. How could Ruhaan have just dropped this boy here without giving her any real choice? And how was she supposed to spend the entire day with a child she barely knew?

Neil, oblivious to her turmoil, trotted up to her with his ever-present grin.

“Daadi, don’t worry! I’ll be a good boy,” he said earnestly, his big, innocent eyes gleaming with sincerity.

Kaushalya didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, or yell. Instead, she simply turned around and walked into the living room, muttering under her breath.

“This boy… this son of mine… always taking advantage.”

Neil followed her like a shadow, his backpack bouncing as he walked. “Daadi, where should I keep my bag?”

“Anywhere,” she replied curtly, sinking onto the couch with a sigh.

Neil, unfazed by her tone, placed his bag neatly in a corner and sat cross-legged on the sofa in front of her. “Daadi, what do you usually do on weekends?” he asked, tilting his head curiously.

“Why do you want to know?”

He shrugged. “Because I want to do what you do.”