Page 23 of Strictly Solo

Neil tilted his head, confused. “Why do you needmeto bring her? You can just ask my mom, and she’ll come.”

Ruhaan sighed, appreciating the boy’s innocence and cleverness. “She won’t come easily if I ask her.”

“Why not?”

He felt a flush creep up his neck, unable to divulge the real reason - the kiss they’d shared the night before.

“Oh, you know how grown-ups can be sometimes. We had a little disagreement, that’s all. That’s why I need your help.”

Neil’s face lit up with a mischievous grin. “Oh, I know my mom’s anger. It’s very easy to fix. Just kiss her cheek, and she’ll be fine again.”

Ruhaan grinned at the boy’s simplicity. If only it were that easy. The kiss itself had made her angrier, and another kiss would probably earn him a slap.

“Thanks, buddy, but this is a different kind of anger. Can you bring her here for me?”

Neil nodded enthusiastically. “Okay, I’ll do it!”

“Great. Remember, it’s our little secret.”

Neil saluted playfully before rushing inside to continue playing with the other kids. Ruhaan, finally relieved, watched him go. But his moment of peace was short-lived, as he heard footsteps approaching.

“Ruhaan. What are you doing here?” Rohit asked.

“Escaping.” He straightened up.

Rohit raised an eyebrow. “Escaping?”

“From Poonam,” Ruhaan clarified. “She’s... persistent.”

Rohit couldn’t help but chuckle. “I can imagine. But this is a first, you know. Ruhaan Singh, running away from a woman?”

He rolled his eyes. “You have no idea how done I am with my mother’s matchmaking skills.”

Rohit laughed. “How far do you think you can stretch this? Someday you’ll have to marry and settle down.”

He shook his head vehemently. “No, I’m happy being single. I’m not husband material, Rohit. I’ve realized that over the past few years.”

Rohit leaned against the railing, his eyes searching Ruhaan’s face. “No man thinks he’s husband material until he tries, my friend. Marriage has its perks, you know. Having someone to come home to, someone to share your day with... it’s not all bad.”

As Rohit spoke, Ruhaan suddenly visualized himself coming home to find Naina in the kitchen, making coffee in her unique style. He imagined her smile as she handed him a cup, while he kissing her cheek. In his mind’s eye, he even saw Neil throwing a ball at him, and he caught it, playing with the boy in the living room while Naina watched them lovingly.

Rohit’s voice jolted him out of his daydream. “Hey. I need to look after today’s ring exchange ceremony for my father-in-law and mother-in-law. Can you help me collect the rings from the store? They’re ready.”

Ruhaan agreed, still confused by the vivid dream he had of a happy family with Naina and Neil. “Sure, I’ll drive.”

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

Evening

Naina had been busy all day, assisting with preparations for the ring ceremony. Now, as she took a moment to breathe, she glanced around, ensuring everything was in place. She wore a peacock blue designer saree that hugged her curves elegantly. The saree featured intricate embroidery and beadwork, and she paired it with a backless blouse that revealed her smooth, creamy back. She’d styled her hair in a bun, adding to the grace and sophistication of her look.

Naina hadn’t planned to wear such a revealing blouse, but Suman had insisted, saying it was perfect for the occasion. Though comfortable, her mind kept wandering to Ruhaan and howhemight react upon seeing her in this outfit. It was a foreign sensation for her, this sudden concern for a man’s opinion.

For seven long years, she had stood tall as a single mother and a career-oriented woman, brushing off the advances and heated gazes of countless men. Yet here she was, feeling inexplicably attuned to Ruhaan’s potential gaze.

As the guests began to gather on the lawn, Naina’s thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Ruhaan entering the area. Hewore a traditional sherwani that perfectly accentuated his tall, muscular frame. The rich fabric shimmered under the evening lights, drawing every pair of eyes to the handsome bachelor. His dark hair was styled impeccably, and a neatly trimmed beard accentuated his strong jawline.

As he stepped onto the lawn, every pair of eyes seemed drawn to him. Women whispered behind their hands, stealing appreciative glances, while men nodded in grudging admiration. He moved with an easy grace, greeting guests with warm smiles and firm handshakes.