Page 34 of Strictly Solo

Understanding dawned on Naina. Ruhaan wanted to know her reply to his proposal. A mischievous smile played on her lips as she decided to play along. This was turning out to be quite fun.

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

Meanwhile, at the poolside, Ruhaan paced back and forth, his anxiety mounting with each passing second. What if Naina’s reply was a ‘no’? The mere thought left a bitter taste in his mouth. He was surprised by the intensity of his feelings, given how recently they had reconnected.

Lost in his thoughts, he was startled by the sound of a throat clearing. He turned to find Neil standing there, arms crossed and a serious expression on his face. Ruhaan’s heart sank when he realized Naina wasn’t with him.

“Neil, where’s your mom? Why didn’t you bring her?” he asked, trying to mask his disappointment.

Neil shrugged nonchalantly. “I went to Mom, but she didn’t want to come.”

Ruhaan’s face fell, but before he could respond, Neil continued, “Now, as promised, you’re going to give me an ice cream.”

“But you didn’t fulfill your part of bringing Naina here. How can you ask for ice cream?”

“But I put in my efforts,” Neil countered.

Ruhaan was speechless.

Neil began to turn away, feigning disappointment. “Fine, don’t give me ice cream. But next time, don’t ask me for more favors.”

Ruhaan admired the boy’s negotiation skills. He reached out and playfully tickled Neil’s stomach.

“You’re such a smart boy already. And so good at convincing and manipulating people, you’re for sure going to be a good businessman when you grow up.”

Neil’s laughter echoed around the pool area as he tried to escape Ruhaan’s tickles.

“Like you?” he asked, between giggles.

Ruhaan paused, surprised by the question. Neil continued, “I heard you’re a businessman and a good one. Your momwas praising you to other aunties. I want to become like you, Ruhaan, when I grow up. Will you teach me?”

Ruhaan was speechless once more, but this time it was a different emotion running through him…a feeling of wanting to guide Neil, to be there for him as a mentor and maybe even more. He pulled Neil into a hug, kissing the top of his head.

“I’ll teach you how to become a good, successful man. I promise.”.

Neil hugged him back tightly. Ruhaan himself was surprised at the depth of feeling he had for this child, when he had known him only for such a short time. There was a magical connection between them that he couldn’t ignore.

Naina watched this entire interaction from a distance. She had planned to sneak up on them but was completely entranced by the genuine affection between Ruhaan and Neil. It warmed her to see Neil so happy, so naturally connected to Ruhaan. Probably whatever she had decided about Ruhaan’s proposal last night was not a very bad decision. But he would have to wait.

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

The rest of the afternoon passed quickly, and although Ruhaan and Naina were often around each other, they didn’t find a moment to be alone. He decided to show some restraint, masking his desperation to know her decision. Instead of waiting for her, he took on the responsibility of supervising the lighting decorations in the garden area alone. By the time the sun set, the lights were fixed and glowing beautifully, setting the stage for the Mehndi celebration in the villa’s garden.

Women gathered, applying Mehndi designs on each other’s hands while the men congregated at another corner of the house, enjoying drinks and snacks. The air was filled with the scent of henna and the sound of laughter everywhere.

As Ruhaan stood at the backside of the garden lawn, a little secluded from the others, checking the lights, he heard her voice from behind him.

“You did a fabulous job with the lights,” Naina said.

He turned around, surprised but pleased to see her. She was wearing a pink lehenga choli, her hair left loose over her shoulders, with a few strands playfully covering her forehead. The minimal jewelry she wore added to her elegance, and her bangles tinkled softly as she adjusted her dupatta draped over one shoulder.

Ruhaan was mesmerized. He put the garland of lights he was checking aside and reached her in two steps. “I knew you would come.”

She didn’t reply immediately. But Ruhaan continued, “What is it with women that when given attention they ignore, and when not given attention, they come willingly?”

She frowned.

“I came here only to check the lights. I had promised to help you, but I got busy with Malti Aunty and Suman. I couldn’t check on the decorations earlier, and I just wanted to see how you managed alone.”