Page 21 of Strictly Solo
She loved her son more than anything in the world, and their little family of two was perfect in her eyes. But Neil’s innocent demand had stirred up feelings and memories she’d long tried to suppress. The weight of single parenthood, the lingering what-ifs, and the face of a man she’d once thought would be by her side through it all, all these thoughts swirled in her mind constantly in loop as she held her sleeping child.
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Next Day
Naina descended the stairs, her eyes still heavy with sleep, only to be greeted by a flurry of activity in the living room. Her uncle and aunt were at the center of it all, warmly welcoming a family she didn’t recognize.
As the upcoming event, their 25thmarriage anniversary, drew nearer, more guests and relatives had begun to arrive, filling the house with a constant buzz of excitement and chatter. She stood at the foot of the stairs, momentarily overwhelmed by the scene before her. She spotted Suman nearby and discreetly elbowed her sister.
“Who are they?” Naina whispered, nodding towards the elderly couple her uncle and aunt were fussing over.
Suman leaned in. “That’s the Chopra family. They’re part of Dad’s social circle now.” She paused, her eyes darting to a young woman standing slightly apart from the others. “And that’s their daughter, Poonam. She’s about your age, quite the looker, isn’t she?”
Naina followed Suman’s gaze, taking in the stylish and admittedly beautiful young woman. Poonam Chopra was standing there with her perfectly manicured hand resting on her hip as she surveyed the room with a slightly bored expression.
“Bit over-pampered, if you ask me,” Suman continued, a hint of judgment in her tone.
“Only child syndrome, I suppose,” Naina teased.
The sisters giggled and stood back, observing the interactions from a distance.
Suman leaned in again. “You know, I heard that Kaushalya aunty has her eye on Poonam for Ruhaan.”
Naina’s heart skipped a beat, a frown creasing her brow. “What do you mean?”
“Oh, you know how she is,” Suman added with a roll of her eyes. “Always plotting and planning. Apparently, she thinks Poonam would make a perfect wife for Ruhaan if things go well.”
Naina’s frown deepened as she scrutinized Poonam more closely. The woman was undeniably attractive, with a poise and sophistication that Naina couldn’t help but envy. She tried to imagine Ruhaan with Poonam, and the thought sent an unexpected pang of jealousy through her chest.
As if summoned by her thoughts, Kaushalya’s voice rose above the general chatter. “Poonam, beta,” she called out, her tone dripping with sweetness, “you look absolutely radiant this morning. That outfit is simply stunning on you.”
Naina recalled how Kaushalya had once praised her in a similar manner. She watched as the old woman fawned over Poonam, asking about her interests and skills with the same scrutiny she had once applied to Naina.
“And do you cook, Poonam?” Kaushalya inquired, her eyes gleaming with interest.
Before Naina could hear Poonam’s response, a movement on the stairs caught her attention. Ruhaan descended, his hair slightly tousled and his t-shirt hastily thrown on. He looked as if he had dressed in a hurry. Her heart raced at the sight of him.
Their eyes met across the room, and suddenly the chaos around them seemed to fade away. Memories of their kiss from the previous night flooded her mind, causing a blush to creep up her neck. Even Ruhaan’s gaze was intense, focused solely on her as if she were the only person in the room.
He began making his way towards her, when Kaushalya’s voice cut through the air once again. “Ruhaan! Come here, beta. There’s someone I want you to meet.”
His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, but he didn’t break his stride. As he approached Naina, he slowed down, pretending to adjust his shoe. Kneeling beside her, he whispered urgently, “I need to talk to you.”
Naina felt a shiver run down her spine at his proximity, but the sight of Kaushalya’s eager face as she watched Poonam,hardened something inside her. She fixed Ruhaan with a cold stare, ignoring the pleading look in his eyes, and walked away without a word.
He quickly stood up, ready to follow her, but his mother’s voice rang out once more. “Ruhaan. What’s taking you so long? Come here this instant.”
With visible reluctance, Ruhaan allowed his mother to guide him towards the Chopras. Naina watched from the corner of her eye as Kaushalya made the introductions, her hand firmly on Ruhaan’s arm as if to prevent him from escaping.
“This is my son, Ruhaan,” Kaushalya announced proudly. “Ruhaan, meet Mr. and Mrs. Chopra, and their lovely daughter, Poonam.”
Poonam offered Ruhaan a dazzling smile, extending her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ruhaan. I’ve heard so much about you.”
Naina felt her stomach twist as she watched the interaction. Ruhaan shook Poonam’s hand politely, but his eyes kept darting back to where Naina stood. She could see the tension in his shoulders, the slight frown that creased his brow as he engaged in small talk with the Chopras.
Suman approached Naina, who was lost in thought as she absently rearranged a vase of flowers. “Hey, did you ever get that saree you were looking for last night?” Suman asked, snapping Naina back to reality.
Naina blinked, momentarily confused. “What? Oh, the saree. No, I didn’t.”
