Page 59 of Strictly Solo

Satisfied, Neil grinned and raced out of the room, eager to join the other kids outside for the day’s festivities.

As the sound of Neil’s footsteps faded, Naina’s aunt turned to her with a knowing look.

“You okay?” Malti asked gently, her eyes full of concern. She had always been more like a mother than an aunt to Naina.

Naina exhaled softly, as she glanced at her uncle, grateful for how he had handled the situation and forced a smile. “Yes, Aunty, I’m fine. Thank you for handling it.”

Subodh cleared his throat softly, as if trying to dispel the remaining tension.

“Speaking of which,” he began, “Raj is coming today. Are you ready to meet him?”

“Yes,” she said reluctantly.

Subodh and Malti exchanged a brief glance, knowing it wasn’t easy for her, especially after everything she had been through in the past.

“I’m sure it’ll go well,” Malti offered gently, reaching out to squeeze Naina’s hand. “No pressure, just see how it feels.”

Naina nodded and smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Oh, before I forget,” she said, pulling out a small golden Ganesha idol from her purse. It was intricately crafted, a symbol of auspicious beginnings and good fortune. “This is for you both. I thought it would be a perfect gift for today.”

Malti’s eyes lit up with joy as she took the idol from Naina’s hands. “It’s beautiful, Naina. Thank you so much.”

Subodh, too, smiled, admiring the gift. “This is truly special, beta. We’ll treasure it always.”

“I’m so glad you like it,” Naina said softly. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I should start getting ready. We can’t keep the pandit waiting for the ceremony! The mahurat is coming up, and I can’t wait to see you both take your vows again.”

“We neither.” Subodh chuckled.

Malti blushed hitting her husband lightly on his arm before Naina hugged them both and left the room.

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

Ruhaan stepped out of his room, adjusting the collar of his traditional sherwani. As he made his way down the hallway, Rohit approached him.

“Ruhaan, thank God I found you here,” Rohit said, handing him a small, ornate brooch. “Can you take this and give it to my father-in-law? He needs to wear it before the rituals start.”

Ruhaan was confused by the request, yet he took the brooch. “Why can’t you give it to him yourself?”

Rohit ran a hand through his hair, glancing down the hallway. “I would, but I have to go downstairs and welcome Raj. His car just pulled up outside.”

The mention of Raj’s name was like a punch to Ruhaan’s gut. His muscles tensed, and his grip on the brooch tightened instinctively.

“You know he’s the special guest today, don’t you?” Rohit added.

Ruhaan knew all too well why Raj was considered a ‘special guest’ - he was the suitor chosen for Naina.His Naina.

“His car just pulled up at the venue. So, I really need to dash. You’ll take care of the brooch, right?”

Before Ruhaan could respond, Rohit was already halfway down the stairs, leaving him standing there, brooch in hand, with the nameRajechoing in his mind.

Special guest.

Match

Naina.

Anger bubbled within him. The thought of Naina being paired with anyone else, let alone a suitor handpicked by her uncle, made his blood boil. Why?