Page 2 of Strictly Solo

“Yeah, this kind of inclusive, innovative campaign is exactly what we’re looking for,” another chimed in. “Something new and fresh.”

After further discussion, they turned back to Naina with approving nods. “Congratulations, Miss Naina. We’ll go ahead with your ‘Beauty Beyond Boundaries’ influencer marketing strategy.”

Naina couldn’t hide her excited smile as the clients agreed to finalize the deal based on her proposed innovative campaign, pending approval from the company’s CEO.

As the clients departed for the scheduled buffet lunch, Deborah could barely contain her excitement. She caught up with Naina and clapped her on the back.

“You’ve woven your magic once again, Naina. We’ve basically secured the deal; just the final signing remains.”

Naina beamed, relieved that her gambit had paid off.

“Thanks, Deby. And speaking of good news, have you approved my leave request for next week? I’ll be going to Delhi.”

“For a family celebration, I recall from your email. Is it avoidable? I’d hate for you to take such a long vacation right now.”

Naina’s smile faded slightly as she explained, “It’s my uncle and aunt’s 25th wedding anniversary celebration, Deby. They’re more than just family to me. After my parents passed away, they took me and my sister in and raised us as their own. I owe them everything. If I miss their anniversary, they’ll be so hurt.”

Seeing Naina’s sincere eyes, Deborah relented with an exaggerated sigh. “Oh, alright then. With that sort of emotional plea, how can I refuse? Go and enjoy your family time.”

“Thank you, Deby. You’re the best!” Naina impulsively hugged her boss, mood soaring once again. She had a ton of work to complete before her trip, but at least her leaves were approved.

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

The school bell rang, and high-spirited children came pouring out, racing towards the waiting parents with backpacks bouncing on their shoulders. Naina scanned the crowds anxiously until a small voice called out, “Looking for me, beautiful?”

She spun around to find her son Neil grinning up at her, his shirt untucked and hair adorably disheveled.

“Neil! What happened to your hair? Did you fall down? Let me check if you’re hurt.” She fussed over him, brushing sand from his scalp and examining his arms for bruises.

“Mom, I’m fine! I didn’t fall,” Neil insisted, squirming away from her fawning inspection. “I’m a big boy now.”

“Big boy?” Naina chuckled, ruffling his hair affectionately. “We just celebrated your 7th birthday last month. That’s not such a big number, mister.”

“When boys turn seven, their moms are supposed to let them stay up till eleven,” Neil proclaimed with childish persistence.

She laughed again, shouldering his backpack. Unlike other kids his age, Neil loved watching late-night horror shows on TV, the ones that aired between 10-11 pm, well past his bedtime on school nights. No matter how much he pleaded, she always enforced lights-out before ten, unless it was a weekend.

“You wish,” she giggled making Neil sigh in disappointment.

“Ice cream?” Neil asked hopefully, pointing to a vendor selling frozen treats nearby.

“No ice cream,” Naina replied firmly. “You’ll catch a cold.”

Neil frowned petulantly. “You always say that.”

“Because it’s true. Remember last time you had a cold? I was so worried.” Naina opened the car door, ushering him inside.

As she started the engine, Neil’s unending lament returned. “Mom, do you know what I wished for on my birthday?”

Naina kept her eyes on the road, carefully driving through the crowded streets filled with honking cars. “What did you wish for, baby?”

“I wished that on my next birthday, I could cut the cake with you and my dad beside me.”

Naina’s grip tightened on the steering wheel as tension gripped her body. Neil’s longing for a father figure was an increasingly frequent topic lately.

“Neil, you know dads don’t just...appear like that.”

“But all my friends have a dad and a mom. Why don’t I have a dad too?”