Page 111 of Strictly Solo

As Ruhaan stepped inside Naina’s home with Neil, the little boy barely waited a second before running into his mother’s arms. Naina hugged him tightly, her earlier worry fading as she saw his beaming face.

“Did you have fun, sweetheart?” she asked, brushing his hair back affectionately.

Neil’s words tumbled out in excitement. “Mumma, Daadi made me buttery parathas, told me a story, and even let me sleep in Ruhaan’s bed. And she also made chocolate milk just like you do. She wasn’t angry at all!”

Her heart swelled with relief and happiness. She looked at Ruhaan as Neil darted off to his room, declaring he had to change quickly to play cricket with his friends.

Ruhaan leaned casually against the doorframe, watching her closely as she stepped closer.

“Thank you,” she said, “I was so worried about leaving him with your mom, but she really outdid herself. He’s so happy.”

Ruhaan smirked. “Mom can be a huge surprise sometimes.”

“Just like her son.” She laughed softly. “You surprised me by re-entering my life, turning all your ‘no-commitment’ plans upside down, showing me what it feels like to have a real partner… and now, about to give me a family.”

Ruhaan stilled as she lightly pressed her palms against his chest and kissed his jawline. He shut his eyes loving it. But the moment she tilted her face up to him, to claim his lips, he stopped her, pulling back slightly.

“Neil could walk in at any moment.”

She frowned, narrowing her eyes. “Really? I never expectedyouof all people to ruin a romantic moment like this.”

He chuckled, tugging her closer by the waist. “What can I say? I’m no longer just boyfriend material. I’m also a father now. And a responsible one at that. I have to make sure our son only sees what he’s supposed to see.”

She rolled her eyes, feigning annoyance, but her lips curved into a playful smile.

“Fine, responsible father. Guess romance is dead.”

“Not so fast,” he replied leaning closer. “You can be as romantic as you want once Neil heads downstairs to play.”

“Not happening,” she countered, poking his chest. “You’ve got to leave soon anyway. Didn’t you promise to take your mom to the temple?”

He paused, remembering.

“Ah, you’re right.” Then, a wicked grin spread across his face. “Well, in that case, let’s take a chance now.”

Their lips barely brushed when Neil’s voice rang out from his room.

“Ruhaan! Can you help me with my knee pads? I’m going to play cricket!”

He groaned, dropping his forehead to Naina’s. “Our timing is impeccable.”

“Go help him,responsible father.” She laughed, pushing him gently.

Ruhaan pulled away and hurried to Neil’s room while she leaned against the wall, a soft smile on her face as she whispered to herself, “I love this life.”

******************

The next morning, Kaushalya kept glancing at the clock while Ruhaan, seated across from her, took a bite of his toast while watching her closely. He knew exactly what was on her mind.She was wondering why Neil hadn’t shown up yet, even though it was later than the time he had arrived yesterday.

“Mom, are you okay?”

“Yes, why wouldn’t I be?” she shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant.

“I don’t know. You’ve been checking the clock so often. It’s almost like… you’re waiting for someone.”

Kaushalya immediately stiffened and frowned. “Why would I wait for Neil?” she retorted defensively,

He chuckled, pressing her hand gently on the table. “Mom, I never took his name. You did.”