Page 83 of Strictly Solo

Shanti agreed. Ruhaan barely waited for Shanti’s approval before he carried Neil to his car, Shanti trailing close behind. His protective instincts were in overdrive as he muttered, “You’re going to be okay, champ. I’ve got you.”

The drive to the hospital felt like an eternity. The moment they arrived, Ruhaan burst through the entrance, yelling, “We need a doctor! Now!”

A nurse rushed over with a wheelchair, but Ruhaan refused, carrying Neil to the examination room himself. “He has a fever. High. He collapsed,” he said marching inside.

The doctors whisked Neil away leaving Ruhaan and Shanti in the corridor. For almost 30 minutes, Ruhaan paced alone, praying and waiting for some update. He finally pulled out his phone to call Naina when he heard the sound of hurried footsteps.

“Where is he?” she demanded to Shanti who was waiting at the corridor.

“Madam, the doctors are examining him. He’s inside.”

Without another word, Naina rushed past Shanti toward the door where Ruhaan was standing.

Just then, the doctor stepped out. “He’s stable for now, but his fever is high. We’ll keep him under observation for a few hours and run some tests to rule out anything serious.”

“Can I see him?” Naina asked immediately.

“Yes, both parents can see him, but only for a short while,” the doctor replied before stepping aside.

Naina rushed past, too focused on Neil to register the doctor’s assumption, but Ruhaan felt the weight of those words settle on his shoulders. For the first time, the idea of being a parent, of being Neil’s parent, didn’t fill him with uncertainty or fear. Instead, it felt right.

Inside the room, Neil lay on the white hospital bed, looking small and pale against the sheets. Naina immediately wrapped him in a gentle embrace, tears streaming down her face as she peppered kisses across his forehead.

“Neil, sweetheart,” she whispered. “Are you okay? Mummy’s here.” She kissed his forehead repeatedly, unable to stop herself.

Neil managed a weak nod, but his face truly lit up when he spotted Ruhaan in the doorway.

“Ruhaan!” he called out, his small hand reaching toward him.

Ruhaan crossed the room in three quick strides, settling on the edge of the bed. “You scared us, champ,” he said softly, taking Neil’s outstretched hand. “Why didn’t you tell Shanti aunty you weren’t feeling well?”

Neil’s lower lip jutted out in a pout. “I didn’t know I was sick.”

Naina pulled him close again. “You need to rest now, sweetheart.”

“So... no school tomorrow?”

“Not until the doctor says you’re better,” Naina tried to look stern but couldn’t help smiling at her son’s attempt at finding a silver lining.

His answering grin was weaker than usual, but when he turned to share it with Ruhaan, the latter realized they were already a family, whether they had admitted it to themselves or not. Maybe this was what his sister had meant. Maybe marriage wasn’t about the failed relationships he’d witnessed, but about moments like these – about choosing to be there, about wanting to be there, about belonging together even in the scariest moments.

“Will you stay?” Neil asked him with hope.

“I’m not going anywhere, buddy.” He nodded without hesitation.

Neil’s face brightened despite his fever, knowing Ruhaan would stay. Naina watched the interaction, her heart conflicted, before turning to the door where Shanti stood.

“Can you stay with him while I speak to the doctor?” When Shanti nodded, Naina headed out, Ruhaan following close behind.

Outside, Naina stopped abruptly and turned to Ruhaan.

“Thank you for all your help, but you can leave now.”

“I don’t think you heard what I promised Neil. I’m not leaving until I drop both of you home.”

“Ruhaan—”

“Whatever issues we have can wait,” he cut her off.