Page 123 of Strictly Solo
Neil grinned and pointed at Rohit, who stood nearby with a knowing wink. Ruhaan chuckled, recalling Rohit had been helping Neil in the last few days to rehearse for the wedding, right from getting Naina to the mandap till this... handing her over to him. He turned back to Neil who was waiting for his reply and then pulled Neil gently closer.
“I promise to keep both you and your mom happy for the rest of our lives,” he vowed.
Neil’s eyes sparkled with joy as he threw his arms around Ruhaan, hugging him tightly. He held him close, looking at Naina whose eyes teared up as she watched them.
“Think again Mr. Singh,” Naina whispered. “This is your last chance to save your bachelorhood. Want to escape tying a knot?”
Ruhaan grinned as he stepped closer to her, ignoring that all the eyes were on them.
“I’ll be the biggest fool of the millennium to leave such a beautiful bride and a cute son at the mandap.”
Naina bit her lip liking his reply but he had more to say. “I can sacrifice my bachelorhood of the next six births even to make a family with you, Naina.” Without any delay, he leaned and kissed her cheek.
The cheers from his family and guests were enough to draw them apart and bring them to reality that they were being watched.
“Ruhaan, Naina,” Kaushalya intervened. “You both have a lifetime to continue such romantic talks. The mahurat can’t wait beta. C’mon.”
Naina was utterly shy as the Priest announced it was time for the varmala. They exchanged garlands, laughter echoing around as Ruhaan deliberately ducked to tease Naina before finally letting her place the garland around his neck.
As they sat down for the wedding rituals, Neil settled beside them, watching the rituals with fascination, occasionally stealing glances at his mother and Ruhaan with a smile that reflected pure joy.
Ruhaan then suddenly leaned in, whispering playfully to Naina, “Didn’t think you could look more beautiful than you already are. But here you are, proving me wrong again.”
Naina blushed, lowering her gaze. “You’re just saying that because you finally got me.”
“I really mean it. For now, it’s just with words… but tonight—” His grin turned wider. “I’ll demonstrate practically, how much you mean to me.”
“Ssh,” Naina’s looked around to ensure no one heard his bold reply, especially her son who was sitting so close to them. Ruhaan gave her a lopsided smile before turning back to the Priest and continuing the rituals.
Kaushalya, sitting close by, watched them with glistening eyes. She had always envisioned this moment—her son settling down with a life partner who truly loved and understood him. But what she hadn’t anticipated was how easily she would come to adore the woman he chose, and the grandson she never knew she needed.
Throughout the ceremony, Neil remained attentive, occasionally asking quiet questions to Kaushalya about each ritual.
“Daadi, what is Pandit uncle saying? Why are Mumma and Ruhaan putting things into the fire?” he asked Kaushalya with wide, curious eyes.
Kaushalya smiled, pulling him close. “That’s called the havan, beta. It’s a sacred fire, and they’re making offerings to seek blessings from God for their new life together.”
Neil nodded in deep concentration continuing to watch them. When it came time for the sindoor ceremony, Neil clutched the brass plate holding the sindoor, steady and careful, proud to be helping in this important moment. He watched them in fascination as Ruhaan carefully traced the vermillion line in Naina’s hair parting.
“Now the whole world knowsI’m yours, Naina Bhalla Singh,” Ruhaan said as he delicately applied the sindoor to Naina’s forehead.
Naina squeezed his hand, unable to speak through her tears of joy. Soon, they stood up for the pheras. Neil kept showering the flower petals over them with the rest, his excitement now at its peak. The moment the priest termed them as husband – wife, he hugged them both. The mandap erupted in applause and blessed wishes, celebrating not just the union of two souls, but the beautiful melding of three hearts into one family.
“Welcome to the family, Dad,” Neil beamed. This was the first time he had addressed Ruhaan as‘Dad’.
The word he had longed to hear but never wanted to force upon the boy. Naina’s breath hitched, her eyes instantly filling with unshed tears. She turned to Ruhaan, whose stunned expression mirrored her own.
His gaze quickly shifted to Rohit, narrowing his eyes playfully. “This has to be your doing,” he accused. “Did you teach him to say that too?”
Rohit raised both hands in surrender, shaking his head. “Nope, this one’s all Neil. Your boy is brilliant.” He smirked. “Knows exactly how to pull on his parents’ heartstrings at the right moment.”
Ruhaan exhaled, his heart swelling. “He’s definitely gone on his father,” he teased with a wink before pulling Neil into his arms. “So… no more Ruhaan, huh? You’re really going to call meDadfrom now on?”
Neil tilted his head, flashing a mischievous grin. “Do you mind?”
He cupped Neil’s face gently. “Mind? Champ, I’ve been waiting for this moment forever. You have no idea how happy you’ve made me.” He pressed a lingering kiss to Neil’s forehead and pulled him into a tight hug. “We are going to be the best team now… You and me vs the entire world. What do you say?”
Neil giggled and gave Ruhaan a high-five. “Yes! But only if Mom is also in our team.”
