Page 39 of Strictly Solo

Ruhaan and Naina exchanged a glance. Naina’s eyes narrowed with jealousy, knowing Poonam was exaggerating. Despite this, Ruhaan agreed to carry Poonam, much to Naina’s chagrin.

Just as Ruhaan bent to pick Poonam up, he suddenly grimaced, pretending to strain his back. “Ouch! My back!” he groaned, clutching his side.

Naina rushed to his side this time, concern etched on her face. “What happened?”

Ruhaan gave Poonam an apologetic look. “I’m afraid I can’t carry you. My back’s acting up.”

Poonam glared at him, realizing he was faking it too. Two of their cousins approached right on time. Ruhaan quickly asked them to help Poonam to her room. They obliged, escorting her away.

As soon as they all left, Ruhaan seized the opportunity. He cornered Naina behind a pillar, pinning her gently against it as he leaned in.

“You were jealous, weren’t you?” he teased. “At the thought of me carrying Poonam.”

Naina huffed. “You read it wrong. I wasn’t jealous.”

“I can read you even with my eyes closed, Naina.”

Saying that he kissed her cheek, leaving Naina breathless. She felt her defenses already crumble as he pulled back.

“I want to take you for a late-night drive tonight,” he said.

“That’s impossible. I have to put Neil to sleep.”

“The kids are having a sleepover tonight in the playroom. Rohit and Suman planned a movie marathon for them.”

Caught off guard by the unexpected arrangement, Naina stammered, unsure what to say.

“C’mon, Naina,” Ruhaan coaxed. “Please don’t deny me this.”

Naina bit her lip, pretending to consider his request. “I’ll think about it. Besides, right now you should focus on finding a new dance partner, now that Poonam’s out.”

Ruhaan chuckled. “I’ve got plenty of options. Don’t worry about me.”

He kissed her other cheek, before winking and leaving to prepare for the evening.

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

Sangeet Night

The sangeet event was in full swing. Team Bride and Team Groom were locked in a friendly but fierce dance competition, each side determined to outshine the other. As the latest performance came to an end, the crowd erupted in applause, and Rohit, acting as the impromptu host, took center stage.

“Wow! What a performance!” Rohit exclaimed, his voice booming through the microphone. “I think we can all agree that both teams are bringing their A-game tonight. But folks, we’re not done yet. Up next, we have a special treat from Team Groom. Please welcome to the stage, the charming Ruhaan and the lovely Poonam!”

The audience clapped enthusiastically, but as the seconds ticked by, no one appeared on the dance floor. Rohit’s smile faltered slightly as he scanned the room.

“Uh, Ruhaan and Poonam?” he called out again.

From her seat among the guests, Naina wondered if this performance was happening tonight or not. She knew about Poonam’s “injury” earlier, but surely Team Groom had a backup plan. Didn’t they?

Suddenly, Kaushalya’s voice cut through the murmurs of the crowd. “Oh, for heaven’s sake! Where is that boy?”

As if on cue, Ruhaan emerged from the back, looking slightly disheveled and out of breath. He whispered something to Rohit, who nodded and turned back to the audience with a forced grin.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it seems we have a slight change of plans,” Rohit announced. “Due to an unforeseen... ankle situation, Poonam won’t be able to join us for this performance. But fear not! Ruhaan assures me he has a solution. Ruhaan, care to enlighten us?”

Ruhaan took the microphone, his eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on Naina.

“Well, as they say, the show must go on. And since I’m short of a dance partner, I thought I’d make this interesting. How about we have a volunteer from Team Bride join me?”