Page 131 of Strictly Solo

“Is that so? What’s the plan, sweetheart?”

Neil’s eyes sparkled as he jumped to his feet. “First, we go to Adventureland! Then we ride all the roller coasters, eat ice cream, and then—”

“And what about Daadi, hmm?” Ruhaan interrupted, raising an eyebrow. “Do you think she’ll enjoy roller coasters?”

Neil giggled, “I will take her on the easy rides!”

Kaushalya laughed and pulled Neil into a hug. “That’s my sweet boy. Always thinks about me and my comfort.”

While Neil continued to share his plans, Ruhaan leaned in closer to Naina and whispered, “Looks like we are packed for the day. Do you think we’ll get a moment alone on this so-called honeymoon of ours?”

Naina smirked. “You knew exactly what you signed up for, Mr. Singh. Family honeymoon, remember?”

He groaned dramatically. “I blame you for making me fall in love not just with you but with our whole crazy little family.”

She laughed, patting his cheek. “Then you better buckle up because there’s no escape now.”

Neil’s voice made them snap out of their little bubble.

“Mama, can we take a photo with Mickey?” Neil asked, already reaching for the camera which they had packed. “I want to show my friends that my whole family met Mickey Mouse!”

“Of course, sweetheart,” Naina smiled. “But first, let’s get you showered.”

“I’ll help him,” Kaushalya offered, rising from her chair. “Come on, Neil. Let’s make you look smart for Mickey.”

As Neil followed his grandmother to the bedroom, Ruhaan pulled Naina closer. “Have I told you today how much I love you?” he murmured against her ear.

“Mmm, only about five times and five minutes ago,” she teased, turning to face him. “Losing your touch, Mr. Singh?”

“Never,” he grinned, capturing her lips in a sweet kiss. “You know, seeing you with Ma and Neil... it makes me wonder why I waited so long to settle down.”

“Because you were waiting for us,” Naina replied simply, running her fingers through his hair. “Just like we were waiting for you.”

Neil stood in the doorway, interrupting their moment again, asking what should be wear to meet Mickey. Kaushalya tried to suppress her laughter behind him.

“Red shirt,” Ruhaan suggested. “That’s Mickey’s favorite color.”

Naina laughed, standing up. “Yep, red shirt and black pants it is. Now c’mon. Go and have your shower. Let’s not keep Mickey waiting.”

As Neil hurried back to shower and Kaushalya too followed him, Ruhaan reached Naina again.

“You know what’s funny?” he said suddenly. “A year ago, if someone had told me I’d be spending my honeymoon at Disneyland with my mother and a seven-year-old, I would have laughed them out of the room.”

“And now?”

“Now I can’t imagine it any other way,” he smiled, hearing Neil’s voice from his bedroom.

“Dad, Mom, hurry up, Mickey mouse is waiting,” he urged to them, his excitement contagious.

“On it…” Ruhaan replied aloud from outside and pulled Naina with him to the bedroom. “Let me shower. Seeing Neil’s excitement, I wonder he will give me enough time to dress up even.”

Naina giggled although she felt tears prick her eyes. This was her family – not perfect, not conventional, but absolutelymagical in their own way. The strictly solo life she had built for herself and Neil had transformed into something more beautiful than she could have imagined. This second chanced meeting between a single mother and a reformed playboy, had finally found its perfect happily ever after.

THE END