Page 47 of Strictly Solo

“Hey, buddy,” he said softly, crouching down beside Neil. “I’m sorry about what happened in there. Daadi didn’t mean to scare you.”

Neil looked up, his eyes red and puffy. “She doesn’t like me, does she?” he asked, his voice trembling.

He sighed, unsure how to answer so he settled for a half-truth instead. “Daadi... she’s just having a bad day. It’s not about you, Neil.”

He reached out and gently ruffled Neil’s hair. “You know what? I think your kiss did make her feel better. She just doesn’t know how to show it sometimes.”

Neil managed a small smile at that. “Really?”

“Really,” Ruhaan affirmed. “And you know what else? I’m glad you’re here, Neil. I like having you around.”

The boy’s face lit up at Ruhaan’s words, his earlier distress fading slowly. “I like being around you too, Ruhaan. You’re fun, not like the other grown-ups.”

Ruhaan chuckled as warmth spread through his chest at Neil’s words. He realized just how attached he’d grown to this child in such a short time.

He hugged Neil wondering how Naina would react if she knew about this incident. Would she be angry? Hurt? Would she distance herself and Neil from him and his mother? And all of these questions flashed the past before his eyes again. The day when their engagement was called off.

Chapter 13

Seven Years Ago

It was late afternoon when Ruhaan and his mother arrived unannounced at Kundra’s villa. As they rang the doorbell and entered, Subodh Kundra and his wife Malti were clearly shocked. They weren’t expecting any visitors.

“Namaste, Subodhji,” Kaushalya greeted.

“Namaste, Kaushalyaji,” Subodh replied. “This is a pleasant surprise.”

“We were in the neighborhood and thought it would be nice to surprise you and discuss some wedding preparations.” Kaushalya continued. “After all, the engagement has already taken place, and we should start planning the big day, shouldn’t we?”

Subodh shifted uncomfortably, exchanging a quick glance with his wife before forcing a smile. “Of course, of course. We’re... delighted you’ve come.”

Ruhaan couldn’t help but notice the hesitation in Mr. Kundra’s voice, the way his eyes darted nervously towards the staircase. Something felt off, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on what it was.

“I hope you don’t mind we came here unannounced,” Ruhaan asked.

“Of course not, Ruhaan. You are going to be the son in law of this house now. Please come inside. You are always welcome here.”

Mrs. Malti Kundra, ever the gracious hostess, quickly interjected, “Naina, beta! Could you bring some coffee and snacks for our guests?”

As Kaushalya and Ruhaan settled on the couch, Ruhaan couldn’t help but notice the sudden shift in the atmosphere. There was a sense of hurriedness in the way the Kundra family began talking, as if they were eager for the visit to end.

“We were just talking about the rituals,” Malti said, forcing a smile. “We were thinking of starting with the mehndi ceremony at our house, followed by the sangeet. What do you think, Kaushalyaji?”

Kaushalya nodded approvingly. “That sounds wonderful, Maltiji. We should also discuss the guest list and finalize the venue for the reception.”

As they continued discussing the details, Ruhaan couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Even Naina, who had just walked in with a tray of steaming hot coffee and snacks, seemed unusually nervous. Her hands trembled slightly as she placed the tray on the table, and her eyes darted anxiously toward her uncle and aunt.

“Naina,” Ruhaan called softly, noticing the worry etched on her face. “Is everything okay? You seem a little... off.”

Naina hesitated, her gaze flickering toward Subodh and Malti as if seeking their permission to speak. The silent exchange between them only deepened Ruhaan’s unease. Kaushalya, too, picked up on the tension and glanced curiously between them.

Before anyone could address the obvious tension in the room, a piercing scream shattered the awkward silence.

“Naina!”

The voice was filled with pain and desperation. Naina’s eyes widened in horror, and without a second thought, she rushed toward the stairs, her heart pounding in her chest. The rest ofthe Kundra family, along with Ruhaan and Kaushalya, quickly followed.

As they reached the top of the stairs, the scene that unfolded before their eyes left them stunned. Kriti, Naina’s elder sister, was lying on the bed, her face contorted in pain as she clutched her heavily pregnant belly. She was trembling, her eyes wide with fear as another wave of pain rippled through her.