Page 25 of Strictly Solo

She headed back to the center of the lawn, where the ring ceremony was about to commence. The area was beautifully decorated with fairy lights and flower arrangements, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Naina’s heart pounded as she took her place among the guests.

Ruhaan stood with his mother, and Poonam and her parents. His eyes immediately began searching for Naina. When he finally spotted her, she quickly looked away, focusing on presenting the ring to her aunt Malti. The crowd cheered as her uncle Subodh and her aunt Malti exchanged rings, a touching scene that brought back memories of her own engagement with Ruhaan. She remembered how Ruhaan had gently pressed her hand back then, silently assuring her that everything was good.

Tears welled up in her eyes now, but she wiped them away before they could spill and joined the guests in clapping to cheer for her uncle and aunt.

Throughout the ceremony, Naina made a conscious effort to avoid looking at him. However, Ruhaan was very much attuned to her discomfort and purposeful ignorance. His eyes never left her, despite being surrounded by guests and engaging in animated conversations.

At one point, when he dropped his gaze, he saw his mother watching him with a disapproving look. It was clear from her expression that she didn’t like seeing him so focused on Naina. But he turned away without offering an explanation.

A while later, Ruhaan spotted Neil at a distance, playing with the other children. He excused himself from the group and walked over to Neil, kneeling down to the boy’s level.

“Hey, champ,” Ruhaan greeted, ruffling Neil’s hair. “How’s it going?”

Neil looked up with a big smile. “It’s fun! I had two ice creams and Mom didn’t even notice.”

Ruhaan chuckled. “That’s good but no more ice creams. I don’t want you fall sick.”

“Nowyouare talking like my Mom,” Neil frowned.

“Well, consider me as the second in charge to ensure you are safe, after your Mom. Anyway, remember our little secret mission?”

Neil’s eyes widened with excitement. “Yes. I remember.”

“Good,” Ruhaan said, glancing around to ensure no one was listening. “Now’s the perfect time. Can you go and bring your mom to the terrace? Tell her it’s really important.”

Neil nodded eagerly. “Okay.”

As Neil ran off to find Naina, Ruhaan sighed in relief. He knew he had to talk to Naina alone, away from the prying eyes of the guests and his mother. His eyes once again sought out Naina in the crowd. She was laughing at something Rohit had said, the sound stirring something deep within Ruhaan’s heart.

She was still in this deep conversation with Rohit and an elderly couple when Neil tugged at her saree.

“Mom, can you come with me for a minute?” Neil asked, his eyes shining with urgency.

Naina looked down at him, puzzled. “Neil, what is it?”

Neil insisted, “It’s really important, Mom. I want to show you something. Please?”

Seeing the earnest look in her son’s eyes, Naina sighed and excused herself from the conversation. “Alright, lead the way.”

Neil led her through the crowd and up the stairs to the terrace. Although she followed, her curiosity piqued.

As she stepped onto the terrace, guided by Neil’s insistent hand, she was startled to find Ruhaan standing there alone, his silhouette illuminated by the soft glow of the fairy lights strung overhead. The realization that this encounter had been orchestrated annoyed her.

Neil released her hand and turned to Ruhaan with a nod.

“I did my part. Got my mom here,” he said innocently.

Ruhaan stepped forward.

“Thank you, Champ. I appreciate it,” he said softly.

Naina stood rigid, her lips pressed into a thin line as she fought to contain her emotions. She wanted to lash out, to demand an explanation for this deception, but she held her tongue, not wanting to make a scene in front of Neil.

As Neil turned to leave, he paused, looking back at Naina with an earnest expression.

“Mom, don’t be angry at Ruhaan for long. I like him,” he said, his voice filled with a child’s simple honesty. Then, turning to Ruhaan, he added with a hint of protectiveness, “Don’t trouble my mom, okay? She’s very innocent.”

Ruhaan’s face broke into a wide smile, touched by Neil’s protective stance. He reached out and affectionately ruffled the boy’s hair.