Page 85 of Strictly Solo

Chapter 25

As their car pulled up to the apartment gates, the security guard stepped forward to stop the unfamiliar vehicle. Recognition flickered across his face when he spotted Naina and Neil inside.

“Ma’am,” the guard called out, leaning toward the window. “How is Neil doing now?” His weathered face creased with genuine concern.

“He’s better now,” she responded softly, running her fingers through Neil’s hair. “Thank you for your help earlier.”

The guard smiled back and his eyes moved to Ruhaan who simply nodded back in understanding and drove into the parking lot. After parking, he opened the back door before Naina could even reach for it. Without a word, he gathered Neil in his arms, the boy’s head naturally finding its place against his shoulder as Naina led them to the elevator.

When they reached Naina’s apartment, she fumbled slightly with the keys, acutely aware of Ruhaan’s presence behind her. This was his first time entering her home.

She unlocked the door, gesturing for Ruhaan to follow her to Neil’s room. The space was small but cozy, with vibrant colors that reflected Neil’s cheerful personality. Ruhaan gently laid Neil down on the bed while Naina pulled a soft quilt over him. She drew the curtains closed, dimming the room’s brightness, and crouched beside Neil, brushing his hair back.

“Neil,” Naina said, brushing Neil’s forehead, “I’ll make your favorite dal rice. You need to eat something before taking your medicine and sleeping.”

Neil’s face scrunched up in protest. “I don’t want to eat,” he mumbled.

“Don’t you want to grow strong like me?” Ruhaan interjected, sitting on the edge of the bed. Neil’s eyes lit up. “Then you have to eat. Going to bed hungry will make you weak.”

“Will you feed me?” he asked innocently.

The request caught Ruhaan off guard, but his response was immediate.

“Deal. I’ll feed you one bite, then your Mumma will feed you one. We’ll take turns. How’s that?”

Naina watched their interaction, before she left into the kitchen. She busied herself with preparing the meal, trying to focus on the sound of boiling water and the rhythmic chopping of vegetables rather than the man now walking around her apartment. She wasn’t surprised when Ruhaan appeared at the kitchen door. He lingered in the doorway.

“Need any help?”

“No, I can manage.”

He stepped into the kitchen anyway.

“I know you’ve been managing everything perfectly on your own, Naina. But I’m here now, and I want to help. With whatever I can.”

“Ruhaan.” She turned sharply. “If I’ve allowed you here, it’s only because of Neil. You’re just a guest. Please remember that and make yourself comfortable.”

Naina saw the hurt in his eyes, and though her chest tightened with guilt, she knew she needed to set boundaries.

She turned back to her cooking, stirring the dal hurriedly. In her rush, she grabbed the hot handle of the vessel without a cloth and hissed in pain, dropping it back onto the stove.

Ruhaan was at her side in an instant. He held her hand and pulled her to the sink. The cold water ran over her burned fingers as he held her hand carefully under the stream. The gentle way he tended to her injury…blowing cool air on her fingers, his face etched with concern…made her chest ache.

“I’m fine. You don’t have to do this.” She yanked her hand away.

“Why shouldn’t I?”

“Because it’s not your place anymore.”

Ruhaan realized Naina needed to calm down and not be so hyperactive in terms of her feelings at the moment. So, he attempted to lighten the moment.

“I know what this is about. You think I’m trying to hijack your son’s heart.”

“No,” Naina replied, meeting his gaze directly. “It’s because you’ve already broken mine.”

Before Ruhaan could formulate a response, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and saw her uncle Subodh’s name flashing.

Without another word, she left the kitchen, leaving Ruhaan alone with the simmering dal and his regrets.