Page 94 of Strictly Solo

He sighed, having already known about this from Ryma herself. She had messaged him earlier to confirm that her in-laws had been understanding.

“Mom, this is for the best. If Ryma’s in-laws are supporting her, it’s because they care about her well-being too. We should want her to be happy, shouldn’t we?”

Kaushalya wasn’t appeased.

“Of course, I want her to be happy, but how can I be okay with this? Living alone for the rest of her life with no partner? Is that what you want for your sister?”

“Who said she won’t marry again?” He countered gently. “Maybe, in time, she’ll meet someone better, someone who will love her the way she deserves. And maybe she’ll want to marry again. We can hope for that.”

Kaushalya sighed heavily.

“I was here hoping that soon I’d get my grandchild, and now Ryma is divorcing.”

Ruhaan couldn’t help but roll his eyes, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Mom, don’t worry. I’ll give you as many grandkids as you want. Happy?”

She perked up instantly. “You mean it? You’re ready to settle down? Marriage, Ruhaan?”

He paused, not because he didn’t have an answer, but because his attention was caught by Neil. The boy had snuck out of the bedroom, now dressed in his pajamas, making funny faces at him. Despite having been told to stay quiet, Neil was giggling silently, clearly enjoying his mischief. Ruhaan’s lips curved into an involuntary smile at Neil’s antics.

Naina appeared in the doorway, catching Neil mid-act. Her face turned apologetic as she hurried forward to drag Neil back inside. Ruhaan stifled a laugh, charmed by the boy’s playfulness and Naina’s attempt to control him.

“Ruhaan?” Kaushalya’s voice broke into his thoughts. “What are you laughing at? I asked you something.”

“Nothing, Mom,” he replied, shaking his head and fighting the grin that threatened to split his face. “I’ll call you later, okay? Take care of Ryma and yourself. I’ll see you tomorrow evening when you’re back.”

Kaushalya let out an exasperated sigh but relented. “Fine. But think about what I said.”

Ruhaan agreed and ended the call just as Naina returned. She looked slightly flustered, brushing a strand of hair from her face as she spoke. “I’m so sorry. Neil usually listens, but today—”

Ruhaan pulled her close, pressing a finger to her lips.

“It’s okay. He’s a kid, and it’s fine if he doesn’t obey everything we ask all the time. You don’t need to apologize for that.”

Her breath hitched as his finger lingered for just a second longer than necessary. She managed a small smile and sighed. “Thank you.”

She was about to ask about Ryma and his mother, but he continued speaking about Neil.

“Actually, I want him to do all the naughtiness he can because that’s what kids should do at his age. If it makes him happy, it makes me happy too.” His eyes softened as he spoke. “In fact, I’m going to pamper him so much... so damn much that he can’t even imagine how much, and he’s going to love every moment of it.”

Confusion flickered across Naina’s face. She didn’t know how to respond.

“I can’t believe how you can pamper him so much in two days? Don’t forget you’re here only for the weekend, and then tomorrow your mom is returning, and you’ll be back home with her, and my son will be with his mom... that’s me.”

Ruhaan grinned realizing she was missing the bigger picture, and he didn’t know how to tell her yet…that his plans for pampering Neil weren’t limited to just two days, but extended to a lifetime. Before he could voice these thoughts, Neil’s voice called from the bedroom.

“Mama! Where’s my coloring book?”

Naina sighed and turned toward the bedroom, to look it for him.

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

Night

Neil dozed off on Ruhaan’s shoulder, lulled to sleep by his medicine and the gentle murmur of cartoons on TV. The threehad been munching pop corns and watching Neil’s favorite cartoons when he dozed off. Ruhaan lifted the sleeping child, cradling him close as Naina led the way to Neil’s bedroom, turning down the covers while Ruhaan gently laid him down, tucking him in.

They stood in the doorway for a moment, watching Neil’s peaceful sleep before quietly closing the door and stepped out.

“I think it’s time to call it a night,” she muttered, avoiding his gaze and was about to turn when Ruhaan reached out, clasping her hand in the semi-darkness of the living room.