Page 3 of Strictly Solo

“Neil, please stop...” Naina began, distressed by the plaintive note in his voice.

“But Mom—”

“I said stop!” she snapped, regretting her harsh words instantly as Neil flinched. Taking a deep breath, Naina pulled over and gathered her son into a gentle embrace. “I’m so sorryfor raising my voice at you, baby. You know Mommy didn’t mean that.”

Neil averted his eyes, still stung by her sudden outburst. Naina stroked his hair soothingly. “Look, we’ve talked about this before, haven’t we? You and I, we’re enough for each other. Why do we need someone else in our perfect little world? Aren’t you happy with just your mom?”

Slowly, Neil turned and looped his arms around her neck in a tight hug. “Sorry, Mom. I’m happy, I promise,” he mumbled contritely.

Naina exhaled in relief, returning his embrace. Was she doing the right thing by not giving in to Neil’s demands for a father? But how could she trust that any man entering their lives would be a good father to her precious son.

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

Delhi, one week later...

The expansive Kundra residence was filled with chaos and activity. Wedding planners, decorators, florists, and all manner of organizers were buzzing around, transforming the place into a celebration venue. Naina had expected an intimate family gathering for her aunt and uncle’s anniversary, but this seemed more akin to an extravagant grand event.

“Naina?” Her cousin Suman, five years older, greeted her with a warm hug at the lobby. “I thought you were coming just for the anniversary itself.”

“I wanted to surprise everyone by getting here early,” Naina replied, still trying to make sense of the bustle around them. “But it looks like I’m the one who’s surprised. What’s with all these people and preparations? The anniversary is still a week away, isn’t it?”

Suman laughed merrily. “Oh, that’s because Rohit and I have planned a little twist this time. We’re going to have Mom andDad renew their vows on their anniversary, complete with all the pre-wedding rituals and celebrations.”

“Oh my god, that’s such an amazing idea,” Naina gushed, impressed by the thoughtful gesture.

“I know, right? Which is why we need all hands on deck,” Rohit, Suman’s husband, chimed in, joining them. “Thank goodness you’re here early, Naina. We need your help. I’m going crazy trying to manage everything alone.”

“Of course, Jeeju, don’t worry. Now that I’m here, consider it handled.” Naina was thrilled to be included in such a momentous family occasion.

“Let me show you your room.”

“No, wait. I want to meet Uncle and Aunt first.”

“They’ve gone out to invite some relatives. While they come back, you can shower and relax. Come on.”

Rohit and Suman married five years ago after dating each other for three years. They were a perfect couple meant to be together. After Naina’s parents died, she and her sister Kriti stayed with the Kundras, who were their parents’ close friends. Had they not shared their blessings and shelter with the girls, they would have been orphaned long ago. Naina recalled how she, Kriti, and Suman spent their childhood here, playing and sharing dreams with each other until Kriti left her too.

“Naina, would you be comfortable in the guest room?” Suman asked. “I’m really sorry, but we’ll have to offer your room to someone else.”

“Of course, I don’t mind. I understand many guests would be coming here, so don’t bother.”

“Cool.”

“Suman Aunty!” Neil came running up the stairs to them, oblivious to the slick floor.

“Neil, be careful,” Naina cried out, alarmed that he would slip and fall. But before disaster could strike, a tall, well-built man swiftly pulled Neil aside, preventing his tumble.

“You need to watch your step there, kiddo,” the man chided gently. “You could’ve hurt yourself.”

Neil squirmed out of the stranger’s grasp. “I’m not a kiddo, I’m Neil Bhalla.”

The introduction made the man’s eyes widen fractionally, but before he could process it, Naina rushed forward, her frantic eyes scanning over her son.

“Neil! Are you okay? Did you get hurt anywhere?” She fussed over him as usual, checking for any injuries.

“Relax, Mom,” Neil brushed off her concerns. “I didn’t fall. He saved me.”

Finally looking up at her son’s rescuer, Naina felt the world stop spinning. It was Ruhaan Singh…standing right in front of her after all these years. She could only gape at him, rendered speechless as old memories and unresolved emotions crashed over her.