Page 124 of Strictly Solo

“Of course, but she’ll be the referee. We need someone to stop us from getting too wild, right?”

Naina rolled her eyes but smiled, overwhelmed with happiness. “As if I could ever control either of you.”

Kaushalya, who had been quietly wiping the corner of her eye, finally spoke.

“Well… I did want to make a grand speech about how I am the happiest mother today, but since you all are already celebrating, I’ll save it for later.”

Ruhaan and Naina turned to her, and together, they bent down to touch her feet. She blessed her son first, placing a loving hand on his head before pulling Naina into a tight embrace.

“I finally have my own daughter-in-law to flaunt to my social circle,” she announced proudly, making Naina chuckle. “If Ruhaan and Neil are one team, then so are we. What do you say, Naina?”

Naina grinned, “Absolutely! But I have to warn you, I can’t promise to keep you company for watching your daily TV serials. I’m really not made for that.”

Kaushalya gasped dramatically. “Aah! That’s a relief. Otherwise, you’d learn every trick in the book to torture your mother-in-law!”

Everyone laughed, enjoying her teasing. But she wasn’t done yet.

“And let me remind you,” she continued, pointing a playful finger at Naina, “your homemade pizza for Neil and me is still pending. You might be a newlywed, but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. No escape from weekend pizza duty!”

Naina pulled Kaushalya into another warm hug. “With pleasure, Ma.”

The Kundra family stood together, watching this beautiful new chapter unfold before their eyes. Naina and Neil, who had once walked this journey alone, had finally found the love and family they had always deserved.

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

Ruhaan’s Home – Wedding Night

The traditional Griha Pravesh ceremony was performed to welcome Naina and Neil into her new home. Ruhaan had barely left her side since the post wedding rituals began at his home, his hand always hovering near hers, ready to hold, to comfort, to claim. The last of the guests had departed now giving the family a breather to relax. The four of them were seated in the living room.

Neil could barely able to contain his excitement. He turned to his grandmother with sparkling eyes. “Daadi, weren’t you going to give Mom her gift?”

“Of course I remember! How could I forget such an important tradition? Come, Neil, lets bring the gifts.” She and Neil hurried off to another room, whispering conspiratorially.

Naina turned to Ruhaan, curiosity written across her features. “Do you have any idea what they’re planning?”

Ruhaan shook his head. “They’ve been surprisingly good at keeping their secrets this time.”

Before she could respond, he leaned closer, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek. “Are you tired?” he asked softly, his eyes searching hers with tender concern.

Naina couldn’t help but read between the lines of his question.

“The moment I hit the bed, I’m going to snore... I’m that tired.”

His exaggerated pout made her struggle to hold back her laughter.

“You’re cruel, Mrs. Singh.” Ruhaan groaned, pouting dramatically.

She nudged his arm playfully. Before he could retaliate, Kaushalya and Neil returned, each holding their gift. Kaushalya approached Naina with a small box, presenting it with ceremonial grace.

“Wait. Only a gift for her? What about me, Mom?” Ruhaan protested.

Kaushalya arched a brow. “You got a wife and a son today. What other gift do you need?”

Naina laughed as she carefully unwrapped the box, revealing a set of keys. She looked at Kaushalya in surprise. “What are these keys for?”

Kaushalya’s eyes softened. “These are the home keys, Naina. Keys to every duty and responsibility of this house. My mother-in-law gave them to me when I got married, and now they belong to you. This house, this family – they’re yours now. Finally, I can take a break and relax.”

Deeply moved, Naina touched her mother-in-law’s feet in respect. “I will try to live up to your expectations, Maa, and never give you reason to doubt me.”