Page 125 of Strictly Solo
“I know you will handle all your responsibilities well. And when I say I’m free, it doesn’t mean I won’t help you. I’m not retiring completely. I’ll always be here to guide you whenever you need me.”
The relief on Naina’s face was evident. Ruhaan watched the exchange with joy. His mother and wife bonding was something he had longed to see. But before he could get too sentimental, he pulled Neil onto his lap.
“I hope you have a gift for me too, champ.”
Neil’s face broke into a wide grin as he revealed a folded piece of paper—his handmade sketch.
“I made this for both of you.”
It was a drawing of four figures standing together—Neil, Ruhaan, Naina, and Kaushalya.A family.
“That’s us,” he explained, pointing to the figures on the paper.
Ruhaan stared at it, overwhelmed. His eyes grew misty as he studied the drawing.
“You drew this for us?” he asked.
“Yes”
Kaushalya beamed. “He’s been working on it for days. And look how beautifully it turned out.”
Naina hugged Neil. “I am so proud of you, sweetheart. This is the best gift.”
“This is going right here on the living room wall,” Ruhaan declared, making Neil bounce with excitement.
“Really, Dad?”
Ruhaan ruffled his hair. “Absolutely, champ. All your drawings will have a special place in this house.” His eyes sparkled with his own surprise. “And speaking of special places... I have something to show you.”
Naina’s brows furrowed. Ruhaan had a surprise too?
“Come with me.”
He led them through the house and stopped at a door next to the master bedroom.
“Go on, Neil. Open it.”
Neil’s eyes widened as he opened it to reveal a completely renovated children’s room, complete with a bed with his favorite superhero sheets, study table, playing area, bean bag, and even a cricket set. There was even a brand-new bicycle that sat in the corner. The boy’s joy exploded as he explored every corner before launching himself into Ruhaan’s arms.
“This is… this is my room?”
Ruhaan crouched beside him. “It’s all yours, champ. Do you like it?”
“I love it, Dad! Thank you!”
Naina stood in the doorway, amazed by her husband’s thoughtfulness.
Kaushalya placed a hand on Naina’s shoulder. “Since the day the wedding was fixed, he’s been working on this. Every free moment he had, he spent making sure this room was ready for Neil.”
Tears welled in Naina’s eyes. The love and care he had put into creating this space for Neil spoke volumes about his commitment to their family.
“I… I can’t believe this.” She whispered.
Neil pulled away from Ruhaan. “I’m sleeping here from now on!”
Kaushalya agreed first. “You can sleep wherever you want, beta. Even in my room if you like.”
She then turned to Ruhaan and Naina. “Now, enough excitement for the day. You two should rest. There are more rituals tomorrow.”
