Page 118 of Strictly Solo

While continuing the call, Ruhaan entered the kitchen, the warm aroma of sweets and spices immediately hitting him. Kaushalya stood near the counter, carefully counting sweet boxes. She was muttering numbers under her breath, while his sister, Ryma, leaned against the fridge, holding a notepad, occasionally making notes.

“Fifteen for the maternal side, twenty for the paternal…” Kaushalya muttered, her hands moving swiftly as she arranged the boxes neatly.

“Mom, do you really think anyone’s counting like you?” Ruhaan teased, leaning against the doorway with a crooked smile.

Kaushalya glanced up, catching sight of the phone still in his hand. “Who were you talking to?” she asked, pausing mid-count and narrowing her eyes.

“Rohit,” Ruhaan replied casually. “Just checking if everything’s on track.”

“Good,” she said briskly, brushing her hands on her saree. Then, without waiting for a response, she extended her hand. “Pass me the phone. I need to talk to Malti about the sweets for her side of the guests.”

Before Ruhaan could protest, Kaushalya snatched the phone from his hand.

“Mom!” he groaned in exasperation. “Can’t you call her on your phone? Why hijack mine every time?”

“It’ll just take a minute,” she dismissed him with a wave of her hand, already asking Rohit to pass the phone to his mother-in-law Malti.

Ryma, who had been watching this exchange with growing amusement, burst out laughing. She nudged Ruhaan playfully. “Desperate to talk to Naina, huh? You talk to her every day. From tomorrow, you won’t even need a phone to communicate.”

Ruhaan rolled his eyes but couldn’t stop the grin tugging at his lips. “Yeah, right. Only if mother India here lets me. The way she’s gearing up to be Naina’s mother-in-law, I wonder if I’ll even get half the time I’ve planned to spend with my wife.”

Ryma laughed knowingly. “True that. Mom’s probably already planning Naina’s induction into her kitty parties!”

Kaushalya, overhearing them, turned her head slightly. “Of course I am! Unlike those grumbling friends of mine who never appreciate their daughters-in-law, I’ll proudly flaunt mine! Sweet, responsible, and perfect. My bahu is going to outshine all of theirs.”

Ruhaan chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re already putting her on a pedestal, Mom. Let her breathe first.”

Kaushalya ignored his comment as Malti came on line. Even Ryma wasn’t done teasing her brother yet. She leaned closer to him and whispered conspiratorially, “So, have you two decided on your honeymoon yet?”

Ruhaan shot her a look, but then sighed. “Not yet. Neil’s midterm exams are at the end of this month, and we don’t want to disturb his routine. We’ll go after that. Someone has to help him with his studies.”

Ryma beamed, her teasing giving way to genuine pride. “Look at you, already sounding like a responsible father. I’m so proud of you, Ruhaan!”

He rubbed the back of his neck, his expression softening. “Honestly, I’m more nervous about being a good father to Neil than being a good husband to Naina. I don’t want to let either of them down.”

Ryma reached out and pinched his cheek affectionately. “You’re going to be amazing in both roles. You already are.”

Just then, Ruhaan noticed Kaushalya still on the phone, her conversation with Malti stretching far longer than her promised “minute.” He hurried over, snatching the phone gently from her hand.

“Mom! You said one minute!” he exclaimed, exasperated but amused.

Kaushalya swatted at him playfully. “Fine, fine. But you better make sure Naina knows how lucky she is to marry you. For getting a mother-in-law like me.”

Ruhaan grinned, pushing the phone to his ear. “Oh, trust me, Mom. I remind her every chance I get.”

Ryma burst into laughter, and even Kaushalya couldn’t help but chuckle as they continued their wedding preparations.

“Hello, Malti Aunty? Can I talk to Naina now?” Ruhaan asked, returning to his bedroom.

“Hold on,” Malti replied, her laugh ringing through the phone. “She’s busy putting Neil to bed. Let me go grab her for you.”

Ruhaan smiled, imagining the scene at Naina’s apartment. Before Malti could get Naina on the line, a small, familiar voice interrupted. “Ruhaan?”

Ruhaan’s grin widened instantly. “Hey, champ. Still awake? Shouldn’t you be asleep by now?”

“I’m almost in bed,” Neil replied in a serious tone, as if defending his case. Then he asked with the utmost sincerity, “But Ruhaan, do you have a cricket bat at your house? Mine broke the other day, and I don’t have a new one.”

Ruhaan chuckled. “A cricket bat, huh? Don’t worry, buddy. Once you’re here, we’ll get you a brand-new one. Maybe two.”