Page 7 of Strictly Solo

“Uncle, please. I know Neil wants a father, but I am not ready to get him one. I can live as a single mother for my entire life, but not waste Neil’s future by just becoming someone’s wife who doesn’t love my son as his.”

Subodh gave up for now. He didn’t want to spoil Naina’s mood beyond this.

“Okay, but the day you change your mind, I want you to tell me first. Trust me, good men still exist in this world.”

They may be. But she wasn’t hunting for them anymore.

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

Ruhaan stepped into the room allotted to him by Rohit. It was big, with antique furniture and photos of the Kundras here and there. Though his luggage was neatly tucked by the bedside, he wished to flee right now because Naina was staying under the same roof. Why didn’t Rohit mention before that she wascoming here too? There were pictures of Naina with her family almost at every corner of the room. One such frame grabbed his attention. It was Naina Bhalla cuddling her son Neil, who was hardly three years old by then. The joy on her face holding that little kid in her arms was unmissable. He was about to touch her picture, but he recalled what Suman had warned him about not doing so. And yet he couldn’t miss skimming through Naina’s photo on the wall. The next two weeks were going to be interesting. At least with Rohit being busy looking over the preparations for the event, he would have someone to give him company.Someone he knew from the past…

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

Next Morning

Ruhaan jogged on the running track circling the beautiful lawn of Kundra house. Last night was terrible. He couldn’t sleep for hours, and the pictures of Naina and her son in the room kept distracting him throughout. He was so frustrated about it that he hid the frames in the drawer. And only when he thought he didn’t have to see her again, she came in his dreams. Her innocent eyes, which once allured him, now mocked him for being in this helpless situation. All those memories of their past and the little time they spent together flashed continuously in his head, replaying, surprising him. All these years, he didn’t even turn back to know how she was, where, and with whom. But now, when she was right here under the same roof, all those hidden, unknown feelings he felt for her resurfaced.

He stopped to gulp the energy drink and breathed hard. Never did a woman affect him to this extent to give him sleepless nights. But Naina was always different from others.

“Hey,” Rohit joined him. “You run fast, bro.”

Ruhaan faked a smile and kept jogging with Rohit alongside.

“Years of practice, buddy,” Ruhaan smiled.

“Yeah, right. Anyway, I am in a fix and only you can save me,” Rohit muttered. “I promised to take all the kids out today for ice cream. But the event planner is coming just at the same time. Got to discuss some things with them.”

“That’s bad,” Ruhaan replied.

“I know. Pinky will be upset and all the other kids too.”

Pinky was the 4-year-old daughter of Rohit and Suman.

“Can you take them out?” he requested.

Ruhaan stopped. “Was that a joke?”

“Unfortunately, no,” his lips pressed into a thin line. “I don’t see anyone else who can drive these kids to the ice cream parlor.”

“Me? Why me? I have work, dammit.”

“Ruhaan, please. You are my friend. Save me.”

Ruhaan sighed in disbelief. “Okay. I will take them, but that’s the last favor I am doing for you this year.”

“Of course,” Rohit laughed at the sudden sarcasm, and the two friends continued their jog.

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

The kids had already assembled in the car when Rohit and Ruhaan reached there.

“Kiddos,” Rohit said, “Ruhaan Uncle is going to take you to the ice cream parlor. Don’t trouble him much, and Neil, you are going to ensure that it’s followed. You are taking the lead today. Got it?”

“Yes, Uncle,” Neil gave Rohit a high five.

Ruhaan rooted to the spot as he saw Neil getting to the front seat of the car, which he was going to drive.

“Alright, Ruhaan. The kids are yours now. Thank you for this, bro.”