Page 4 of Strictly Solo

Ruhaan, known for his playboy tag, still had the same magnetic aura he possessed seven years ago. Time had been kind to him, if anything, enhancing his rugged handsomeness. His chiseled features, that confident smirk, and those piercing eyes that seemed to look right through her, it was all too familiar and overwhelmingly unsettling.

“Naina?” he finally spoke, with the same shock followed by delight.

“Ruhaan,” she whispered, barely able to hear herself over the pounding of her heart.

Ruhaan’s eyes roamed over her. He didn’t even attempt to hide the thrill in his gaze or the way he was shamelessly checking her out.

“Well, this is a surprise,” he said, stepping closer, his smirk deepening into a genuine smile. “You look... incredible.”

Naina’s cheeks flushed as she looked down at Neil.

“Neil, say thank you to Ruhaan Uncle for saving you.”

“Ruhaan Uncle?” Ruhaan interrupted not very happy with that tag. He glanced down at Neil, who was watching the exchange with wide, curious eyes. “Just call me Ruhaan, okay?”

“Okay Ruhaan,” Neil grinned.

Ruhaan turned his attention back to Naina, his expression softening as he took in her beauty. “So, how have you been?”

“Busy,” she managed to reply.

“I can see that,” he said, his eyes lingering on her a moment longer before looking at Neil. “Seems like life has been good to you.” He ruffled Neil’s hair before patting his back.

“It’s had its moments,” she replied, swallowing hard, pulling Neil to her. “And you? Still... doing your thing?”

His grin widened.

“You know me, Naina. Always finding new adventures.”

When their gazes locked again, she felt the magnetic pull that had once drawn her to him, stronger than ever. It was infuriating and exhilarating all at once.

“I should... get Neil settled,” she finally said, breaking the spell. “Thank you again, Ruhaan.”

“Anytime. But it’s good to see you, Naina. Really good.”

As she turned to lead Neil away, she couldn’t help but glance back at Ruhaan. He was watching her with that same intense, smoldering look, and she knew that despite the years and everything that had happened, this was far from over.

Chapter 2

Naina Bhallawas here?

Ruhaan stood rooted to the spot, his heart pounding as Naina walked away with her son, Neil. Even after all these years, her presence still had the power to unsettle him.

As Neil’s voice faded down the hallway, Ruhaan finally exhaled the breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. His eyes traced Naina’s retreating form—the gentle sway of her hips, the cascade of silky dark hair down her back. She had blossomed into an incredibly beautiful woman, refined and self-assured in a way the shy, innocent girl he once knew never was.

A smile tugged at his lips as flashes of their past flickered through his mind. The first time he laid eyes on her right here at the Kundras’ home, she was a vision of pure, unaffected loveliness that had captivated him instantly.

And now, seeing her again after seven long years, the spark between them wasn’t just rekindled, it roared into an inferno that threatened to consume him whole.

Ruhaan’s fingers clenched involuntarily as he fought the urge to go after her, to drink in more of her presence like a man dying of thirst.

With an inward curse, he forced himself to look at Suman, who was watching his expressions with equal surprise.

“Hey,” he broke the awkward silence.

“Hope you and Aunty have settled down in your rooms well,” Suman asked.

He nodded. “Yes, very much. I don’t know about Mom, but my room is perfect.”