Page 117 of Strictly Solo
Straightening up, she smiled brightly. “Call Naina’s uncle right now. I can’t wait to set the wedding date!” She turned to Neil with excitement sparkling in her eyes. “Come with me, beta. We have so much to prepare, but first, let’s get some sweets to celebrate!”
As Kaushalya whisked Neil away to the kitchen, their cheerful voices trailing behind them, Ruhaan and Naina stood still, lost in each other’s gaze. He moved closer to her first.
“You can’t imagine how happy I am,” he murmured.
“I thought you would be fretting... I mean, for someone who didn’t want to commit, suddenly everything is happening at lightning speed.”
“With you...” Ruhaan’s voice was tender, “nothing can fret me anymore. This is the world I’ve chosen for myself – you, Neil, and my mom. A perfect, happy family.”
His words warmed her heart. She stepped closer, her fingers fiddling with the buttons of his shirt. “When you say such romantic things... I wish to give you so much more.”
He slid his arm around her waist, pulling her flush against him.
“Then show me,” he said with a playful grin, his eyes locked onto hers.
As he leaned in to kiss her, she didn’t pull away this time. The kiss was soft yet intense, a silent promise of the love and life they were about to build together. The sounds of Neil and Kaushalya’s laughter from the kitchen faded into the background as they celebrated their new beginning together, lost in their own moment of perfect happiness.
Chapter 33
One Month Later
The preparations for Ruhaan and Naina’s wedding were in full swing. Ruhaan was engrossed in ensuring everything was perfect to truly bask in the pre-wedding joy. Tomorrow, Naina and Neil would become a permanent part of his life, living with him and his family. The mere thought made his heart swell with happiness.
Standing in the center of the living room, phone pressed to his ear, he focused intently as he double-checked with the caterer about the last-minute addition to tomorrow’s menu.
“Can you confirm that Naina’s favorite dessert, ‘Rabri,’ has been added? I don’t want any last-minute surprises,” he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
When the caterer assured him it was taken care of, he exhaled a sigh of relief, mentally crossing one more task off his ever-growing checklist.
Next, Ruhaan dialed Rohit, who was currently at Naina’s apartment with his wife, Suman, and Naina’s aunt and uncle. The entire Kundra family had flown to Mumbai a week ago to join the wedding festivities, and the house was buzzing with last-minute excitement.
“Hello, would-be groom!” Rohit answered with a teasing tone, making Ruhaan grin. “How does it feel to have just one day of bachelorhood left?”
“Rohit, stop,” Ruhaan replied, shaking his head but smiling. “I don’t have time for your jokes. Listen, did Neil’s sherwani arrive? The one I sent with the driver?”
“Oh, Mr. Groomzilla, calm down,” Rohit said with a laugh. “Yes, it just arrived, and Neil’s already jumping around like it’s Christmas morning. The kid can’t wait to wear it tomorrow. Honestly, I think he’s more excited about twinning with you than the wedding itself.”
Ruhaan let out a relieved sigh. “Good. Thanks for confirming. And what’s my Naina doing? She hasn’t been answering my calls.”
“YourNaina, huh?” Rohit teased, his voice dripping with mock drama. “She’s busy packing with Suman and her aunt. You know how it goes—when women pack, it’s an endless saga. I’m telling you, they’ve practically emptied the cupboards here.”
Ruhaan laughed softly. “Make sure she doesn’t forget anything. I don’t want Naina and Neil missing any essentials while shifting tomorrow to our home.”
Rohit hummed in agreement before switching back to his mischievous tone. “Man, I still can’t believe this is happening. The great Ruhaan, the eternal bachelor, the heartbreaker, is finally settling down. Who would’ve thought?”
“Better late than never,” Ruhaan shot back. “By the way, make sure Neil doesn’t forget his school stuff. Like his schoolbooks, homework, that favorite pencil box of his, and all his art stuff. Oh, and don’t forget to pack his toys too.”
“Seriously?” Rohit continued, “you’re worried about school supplies and pencil boxes now? You’ve really changed, man. I’m impressed.”
“Neil’s studies are important,” Ruhaan said defensively, though his grin betrayed him.
“Relax, man,” Rohit reassured him, laughing. “Everything’s packed—school stuff, toys, even his secret stash of chocolates.Suman and I made sure of it. You just focus on getting through tomorrow without fainting at the mandap.”
Ruhaan chuckled. “Very funny. Thanks, Rohit. I owe you one.”
“You owe me a lot more than one,” Rohit said mock-seriously. “But hey, I’ll settle for front-row seats to the ‘Suhaagraat Chronicles.’”
“Shut up, Rohit,” Ruhaan said quickly, his ears turning red at the mention of his and Naina’s first wedding night. Although they had been intimate a few times in this one month, the final act was kept for after their wedding.
