Page 86 of Strictly Solo

Naina had called her uncle earlier, intending to update him on Neil’s health but had deliberately left out one crucial detail—Ruhaan’s involvement in everything that had transpired today.

“How’s Neil doing now?” he asked as soon as she picked the call.

“He’s better now, Uncle. The fever has gone down, and he’s resting now.”

Subodh was relieved. “Are you sure you don’t want me and Malti to come to Mumbai for a few days? We could help look after Neil. You don’t have to manage all of this alone, beta.”

“No, no, Uncle,” Naina replied quickly, perhaps too quickly. “Neil is much better now. He’s resting, and I promise I’ll call you if we need anything.”

She wrapped up the conversation with reassurances of keeping them updated, and then walked back to the kitchen to serve Neil’s food. But the space was empty. Following her instincts, she made her way to Neil’s room, only to stop short at the door.

Ruhaan was sitting on the edge of Neil’s bed, his sleeves rolled up, leaning in close to the boy. Neil was listening intently as Ruhaan recounted a childhood story.“…and then, to escape taking that bitter medicine, I hid under the bed. But my mom found me, of course. She always did,” Ruhaan chuckled, holding out a spoonful of dal rice, which Neil obediently accepted between giggles.

“Did you get better fast?”

“Super fast,” Ruhaan nodded, his eyes twinkling. “Just like you will.”

The scene before Naina was everything she’d ever wanted for Neil. Her son to have a father. No matter how hard she tried, no matter how much she loved him, she could never fill the gap of a father figure. Watching Ruhaan now, she realized just how much Neil craved that bond, and how seamlessly Ruhaan fulfilled it.

Tears welled in her eyes, but she quickly brushed them away. She didn’t want to interrupt the moment, so she stayed by the door, silently observing until Neil had finished his meal. Only then did she step inside with Neil’s medicine. Neil’s face immediately scrunched up at the sight of the medicine bottles.

“No, Mumma,” he protested weakly.

“Neil,” she warned, but her son was stubborn, turning his head away. “You need to take this to get better.”

“I’ll take it, but only if Ruhaan stays with us tonight,” he declared, his tone triumphant, as if he’d struck a winning bargain.

Naina felt her heart stop, caught off guard by her son’s unexpected demand. She didn’t want to give in to his demand, but before she could say anything, Ruhaan intervened.

“Neil,” Ruhaan said gently, leaning closer to the boy. “I’ll stay here with you tonight if that’s what you want, but you can’t blackmail your mom like that. It’s not right.”

Neil’s pout deepened, but he looked genuinely remorseful. “Sorry, Mumma.”

Once again Naina’s heart swelled watching Ruhaan teaching her son about right and wrong with such natural paternal instinct. She leaned down and kissed Neil’s forehead. “It’s okay, baby. Just take your medicine now.”

Reluctantly, Neil opened his mouth, and Naina carefully gave him the medicine.

“Good boy,” Ruhaan said, ruffling Neil’s hair. “And don’t worry. Until you’re all better, I’m not going anywhere.”

Neil’s face lit up. “Promise?”

He placed a hand over his heart. “Promise. I’m not leaving you.”

He then turned to Naina, pulling Neil into a protective hug. “And I’m not leaving your mom either,” he added.

Neil, too innocent to catch the layered meaning, simply grinned and snuggled into Ruhaan’s chest. But Naina felt her heart flutter traitorously in her chest. She busied herself with adjusting Neil’s blanket, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through her at Ruhaan’s declaration.

Once Neil was settled, his eyes fluttered closed. Naina dimmed the lights and both stayed by the bed watching him sleep.

When Naina turned to leave the room, Ruhaan followed her into the living room which was bathed in soft lamplight.

“I’m sorry I had to promise Neil I’d stay. I didn’t mean to overstep. I know you don’t want me here,” he said, running a hand through his hair.

“Yes, I don’t want you here!” Naina snapped with sudden anger. “And I don’t want you anywhere near my son!”

The words burst out before she could stop them. She immediately pressed her fingers to her lips, regret washing over her face.

“What am I saying... I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be so mean.”