Page 89 of Strictly Solo

Naina sighed, shaking her head with a small smile. “No school today. And tomorrow’s the weekend, so you get three whole days off. Happy now?”

Neil grinned widely, his energy returning bit by bit.

“I’m staying home with you. I’ll call my boss and let her know. You’re stuck with me, buddy.” She added.

Before Neil could even turn to Ruhaan with the question in his eyes, Ruhaan jumped in eagerly.

“I’m not going to work either. Remember my promise? I wouldn’t leave until you’re back to being your usual naughty self.”

Neil bounced on the bed, clapping his hands, even dancing, making both adults reach out instinctively to steady him.

For Ruhaan, it was a moment of crystal clarity. This was the peace…the ‘sukoon’, he had been missing since returning from Delhi without Naina and Neil. He had searched for it everywhere, never expecting to find it here, in this simple morning moment with them. It had been here all along, waiting for him to find his way backhome, to Naina and Neil.

Chapter 26

A few hours later

Ruhaan stood at Naina’s door, a big duffel bag slung over his shoulder as he rang the doorbell. He had been home this morning to bring his clothes and other personal stuff if he had to stay with Naina and Neil here. When Naina opened the door, her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the large bag.

“You’ve packed as if you’re staying the whole month here,” she said, raising an eyebrow.

He grinned mischievously, leaning casually against the doorframe.

“Come on, Naina, if you want me to stay for a whole month with you, just ask for it. No need to use my big bag as an excuse.”

A frown creased her forehead as she stepped aside to let him in.

“Just the weekend, Ruhaan. And then you’re out of here,” she stated firmly, watching as he walked in like he owned the place. “I don’t want your mother coming here looking for you and then blaming me that in her absence I lured you into staying with me.”

He set down his bag.

“Don’t worry... if she comes and asks, I’ll tell her thatIlured you into letting me stay with you here. Happy?”

She rolled her eyes at his endless flirtation.

“Shut up. But seriously, is that really your weekend packing of the bag?”

“You mind if I keep changing my clothes multiple times a day?” He replied with a wicked smirk. “Or wait... is it that you like me more without them and hence you’re sore because I packed extra?”

“Ruhaan!” she groaned, pushing him lightly on the shoulder before turning to head toward the kitchen.

He chuckled again, loving how easily he could fluster her. “Where’s Neil?”

“Sleeping,” she replied, heading toward the kitchen to cook.

Ruhaan plopped down on the sofa, fishing out his phone when it began buzzing. Rohit’s name flashed on the screen. He realized with a start that no one from either family knew he was staying at Naina’s place. But he couldn’t avoid Rohit’s call so after a moment’s hesitation, he answered walking towards the balcony.

“Hey... you alright?” Rohit’s concerned voice came through. “I got to know that you’ve taken off today and for the weekend. Are you not well?”

“I’m okay, Rohit,” Ruhaan assured him. “Just needed a short break. If anything urgent comes up, my assistant knows to call me.”

“Hmm. Are you really okay? You’ve never taken this kind of break before.” Rohit paused. “Are you still grieving because no one gave you Naina’s address to contact her?”

Just then, Neil emerged from his bedroom, eyes heavy with sleep, rubbing them as he stumbled forward. He was about to walk straight into a wall.

“Neil, be careful!” Ruhaan called out sharply.

Neil stopped just before bumping into the wall, blinking sleepily. “I’m fine,” he mumbled, heading toward the sofa.