Page 60 of Strictly Solo

‘She’s mine,’a voice inside him growled. But he knew he couldn’t act rashly. He was still to realize what he had for Naina in his heart was beyond his disinterest in getting hitched to a woman for lifelong. Clenching his fist around the brooch, he turned and marched towards Subodh Kundra’s room.

Upon reaching the door, he paused, gathering his composure before knocking firmly. A muffled “Come in” prompted him to enter.

Subodh Kundra was already dressed for his re-wedding, in a traditional attire and was busy admiring himself in the full-length mirror. The room was filled with the scent of incense and the special flower decoration which was Naina’s idea.

“Ah, Ruhaan,” Subodh greeted. “What brings you here?”

Ruhaan held up the brooch. “Rohit asked me to bring this to you. He said you need it for the ceremony.”

Subodh nodded, his eyes momentarily softening as he took the brooch from Ruhaan. “Thanks.” He looked around for a moment, seemingly lost in thought, before attempting to pin it on himself.

“Where is Rohit?” he asked.

“He went to greet Raj,” Ruhaan replied, unable to keep a hint of bitterness from seeping into his voice. “Apparently, he’s just arrived.”

A smile spread across Subodh’s face, his eyes lighting up with barely concealed excitement. “Excellent! It’s good of Rohit to welcome him personally.”

Subodh fumbled slightly with the brooch as he attempted to pin it to his sherwani. Seeing his struggle, Ruhaan stepped forward.

“Let me,” he offered taking the brooch from Subodh and began to pin it onto his chest.

As Ruhaan worked, Subodh watched him closely through the mirror.

“You know, Ruhaan, after much persuasion, Naina has finally agreed to meet another suitor and consider her future.”

Ruhaan’s hands paused for a split second as he processed the words. He looked up, locking eyes with the old man. There was a challenge in the older man’s gaze, one that wasn’t lost on Ruhaan.

“I want you to understand something,” Subodh continued, his tone growing firmer. “Naina is no less than my daughter and her happiness is paramount. I believe Raj can provide her with the stability and love she deserves.”

Ruhaan felt his anger flare, but he kept his expression neutral, even as his fingers gripped the brooch tighter, finishing the task.

“This time, nothing will go wrong.” Subodh clenched his jaw as he continued to warn Ruhaan directly. “I won’t let anyone come between Naina and Raj.”

Ruhaan stepped back and once again looked Subodh Kundra straight into the eye.

“With all due respect, Uncle, I care about Naina’s happiness too. However, if she’s even the slightest bit uncomfortable, or if she’s not ready to take this forward with Raj, I won’t hesitate to intervene. I won’t let anyone,not even you, force her into something she’s not ready for.”

Subodh was clearly taken aback by his bold statement.

“You had your chance with her, Ruhaan. Don’t forget that,” he spat.

“And you should remember that Naina is not just your daughter but also a woman who deserves to make her own choices,” Ruhaan countered.

“Are you challenging me?”

Ruhaan didn’t flinch.

“Call it what you want. I’m just telling you that if Naina is not on board, I will stop this from happening. No matter what it takes.”

And with that, Ruhaan turned on his heel and left the room.

Chapter 17

Naina stood near the canopy, her hands busy arranging the items the priest had requested. Beside her, Suman assisted, chatting lightly with the priest as they prepared for the rituals.

However, Naina’s mind was elsewhere. Every so often, her eyes flitted across the crowd, searching for him. And then finally she saw him. Ruhaan stood a little distance away, dressed in his traditional attire, looking impossibly handsome.

“Here it is,” Kaushalya’s sharp voice brought her back to the present.