Page 18 of Strictly Solo
Naina sank onto her bed, burying her face in her hands. “What am I going to do?” she wondered aloud.
Her mind drifted back to that fateful day seven years ago when her path first crossed with Ruhaan’s. The memory unfolded vividly before her, transporting her to a time of youthful innocence and newfound desires...
Seven years back
The Kundra household buzzed with nervous energy as the clock ticked closer to the arrival of the Singh family. Naina stood before her mirror, scrutinizing every detail of her appearance with a critical eye. The vibrant blue salwar kameez she wore felt foreign against her skin.
“I look like a clown, Suman,” Naina groaned, tugging at the fabric self-consciously.
Suman rolled her eyes playfully. “Don’t be an idiot,” she chided, giving Naina’s nose a gentle tap. “You look perfect. The Singhs won’t know what hit them when they see you.”
Her shoulders slumped as she turned away from her reflection. “I don’t understand why we’re doing this,” she protested. “I don’t want to marry so soon. I’ve just graduated, for heaven’s sake.”
“Who will explain that to Mom and Dad? You know Dad has strict rules of getting us all married before we hit 25.” Suman reminded.
“Exactly, and I am hardly 21. Who marries this early?”
“I agree to that but the Singhs are very close to them. Plus, Dad said Ruhaan is very handsome. He even has plans to go abroad and expand their family business. If you marry him, he’ll take you too.”
Naina’s eyes flashed with indignation. “Why do I need a man to take me abroad? I can go by my own money, thank you very much.”
“Urgh,” Suman groaned, throwing her hands up in exasperation. “Stop arguing. Let’s get you ready. They’ll be here any moment.”
As if on cue, the doorbell chimed, sending a jolt of panic through Naina’s body. Suman gave her a reassuring squeeze before ushering her out of the room.
As the Singhs entered the Kundra home, Naina’s eyes were immediately drawn to the young man trailing behind his parents. Tall and impossibly handsome, Ruhaan Singh cut an impressive figure in his crisp black t-shirt and dark jeans. His strong jawline and piercing eyes made Naina’s breath catch in her throat.
Subodh Kundra, Naina’s uncle, rose to make introductions. “This is Naina, my prettiest daughter,” he announced proudly. “After my friend, Naina’s father passed away, she stayed with us. I don’t see her any less than Suman.”
Naina felt a rush of warmth at Subodh’s words, momentarily distracting her from Ruhaan’s intense gaze. She busied herself serving coffee and freshly baked samosas, hyper-aware of Ruhaan’s eyes following her every move.
“She is indeed very beautiful,” Kaushalya Singh, Ruhaan’s mother, appraised her. “Come here, Naina. Sit next to me.”
Grateful for the reprieve from Ruhaan’s burning stare, Naina obediently took a seat beside Kaushalya. The older woman’s demeanor reminded Naina of the overbearing mothers-in-law she’d seen in television soaps, and she steeled herself for the interrogation to come.
Prem Singh, Ruhaan’s father, began with benign questions about Naina’s education and interests. Kaushalya, however,was quick to steer the conversation toward more domestic matters.
“Tell me, Naina,” Kaushalya pressed, her voice saccharine sweet, “do you know how to cook? A good wife must be able to manage a household efficiently.”
Naina resisted the urge to roll her eyes, instead forcing a polite smile. “Yes, Aunty. Malti aunty has taught me to cook. But though I enjoy cooking, I am still not very good at it.”
Kaushalya nodded, seemingly satisfied for the moment. As the adults continued their discussion, Suman caught Naina’s eye from across the room, giving her an exaggerated wink.
“So, Naina,” Suman piped up, a mischievous glint in her eye, “what do you think of Ruhaan? Isn’t he just dreamy?”
Naina felt her face flame red as Ruhaan choked on his coffee, clearly caught off guard by Suman’s brazen comment. Before she could formulate a response, his phone buzzed, breaking the awkward tension.
Ruhaan excused himself to take the call. Naina was relieved, but still oddly disappointed by his absence. As the evening progressed into dinner, Subodh asked her to fetch Ruhaan from outside.
She stepped out onto the veranda, spotting Ruhaan immediately, his tall figure silhouetted against the night sky as he stood admiring a vase of flowers.
Ruhaan turned at the sound of her approach, his eyes lighting up as they fell upon her. The way he looked at her made her feel simultaneously exposed and cherished.
“The dinner is served,” she managed to say, fiddling with the ends of her dupatta, desperately trying to hide the blush that crept up her neck.
He didn’t move or reply immediately. His intense gaze locked onto hers, and Naina found herself unable to look away.
Finally, Ruhaan broke the silence. “I’m not very hungry right now, are you?” he asked.
