Page 33 of Strictly Solo

Neil’s eyes narrowed as he asked, “Why were you looking at my Mom?”

He was caught off guard by the boy’s perceptiveness.

“You saw me looking at your mom, but did you see her smiling back at me?” he asked with a hint of mischief in his voice.

Neil nodded solemnly, “You are smart.”

Ruhaan chuckled, ruffling Neil’s hair affectionately. “Not as smart as you, champ. Can you do me a favor again?”

Neil put on a thoughtful expression, considering Ruhaan’s request. “This time I won’t do it for free.”

Ruhaan couldn’t contain his laughter. He pulled Neil closer, “Anything you want, buddy.”

Neil leaned back, squinting up at Ruhaan with an inquisitive look. “First tell me what favor you want.”

He knelt down to Neil’s level. “The same as last time. I want to meet your mom. Alone.”

Neil’s eyes narrowed once more as he considered the request. “Don’t you think you want to meet my mom a lot these days?” he asked with suspicion.

Ruhaan felt a bead of sweat form on his forehead. “I... I want to become her friend,” he stammered, trying to sound convincing.

“Friend?” Neil repeated, eyeing him from head to toe. “That’s fine, but if you want to be more than my Mom’s friend, then you need to pass the test first.”

His eyes widened in surprise and nervousness. “What test?”

Neil shrugged nonchalantly. “Why are you bothered? You just want to be her friend, right?”

Ruhaan was marveled at the brilliance of this young boy. He wondered if all kids of this generation were as sharp and perceptive as Neil.

After a moment of deliberation, Neil finally agreed to help Ruhaan meet Naina. “Alright. Wait at the pool area. I will bring Mom there,” he instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Relieved and grateful, Ruhaan thanked Neil, giving him a high-five before rushing off to the designated meeting spot.

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

Naina was engrossed in conversation with Suman and her aunt Malti when Neil tugged at her arm.

“Mom, come with me,” Neil insisted, attempting to drag her away.

Naina gently resisted, kneeling down to her son’s level. “Neil? I’m talking to them, baby. It’s not good manners to drag me away like that. You should ask first.”

Neil’s lip jutted out in a pout before he quickly replaced it with a sweet smile. “Mom, please can you come with me?” he asked, his voice dripping with charm.

She couldn’t help but smile at her son’s quick adaptation and excused herself from Suman and Malti, agreeing to go with Neil. However, as they reached the halfway point, Naina realized they were heading towards the poolside. She stopped, her suspicion growing.

“Where are you taking me, Neil?” she asked, her eyebrow raised.

“To the poolside.”

Naina’s suspicion deepened. “Why the poolside?”

Neil sighed dramatically. “You ask too many questions, Mom.”

Naina crossed her arms. “Well, until you tell me, I’m not going to come along.”

Realizing he was at an impasse, Neil finally confessed.

“Ruhaan asked me to bring you to the poolside again.”