Page 22 of Strictly Solo
“Well, now’s your chance,” Suman said, nodding towards the living room where Ruhaan was still engrossed in conversation with the Chopras. “He’s downstairs, so you can slip up to his room and grab it without any awkward encounters.”
Naina hesitated for a moment, weighing her options. The thought of entering Ruhaan’s temporary living space madeher heart race, but she pushed aside her conflicting emotions. “You’re right,” she said with a determined nod. “I should get it now. Thanks for reminding me.”
Naina made her way upstairstrying to focus on the excitement of the upcoming ring exchange ceremony for her uncle and aunt. For now, she had decided to enjoy this family moment. That’s it. Rest all could wait.
Chapter 6
Ruhaan stood stiffly beside his mother, as she engaged in animated conversation with the Chopras. Poonam was practically glued to his side, her eyes never leaving him. While Ruhaan usually enjoyed women’s attention, this time he felt a wave of discomfort. Her clinginess was suffocating, and the fact that Naina was around only made it worse. He didn’t want Naina to see him with Poonam or any other woman, for that matter. He wasn’t sure why it bothered him so much, especially since he and Naina weren’t even friends anymore. But after their brief, electrifying kiss last night, everything felt different.
Seven years ago, when their engagement was called off, Ruhaan had thought it was the end for them. He had moved on, or at least he had convinced himself he had. But last night’s kiss had shattered that illusion. The sleepless night that followed was proof enough that there was still something between them, and he was struggling to figure out how to deal with it.
Meanwhile, his mother was in her element, praising his accomplishments in his company and his rapid business growth over the years.
“Ruhaan beta, why don’t you tell the Chopras about that big merger you just closed? It was quite impressive, wasn’t it?”
He suppressed a sigh, recognizing his mother’s thinly veiled attempt at matchmaking. “It was just business as usual, Mom,” he replied, trying to downplay his achievements.
But Kaushalya wasn’t about to let it go. “Don’t be modest, beta! Mr. Chopra, you should hear about the growth Ruhaan’s brought to our company in the last few years. He’s quite the businessman.”
It was clear she was showcasing his good traits, subtly pushing for a marriage alliance with Poonam. He didn’t want to be paraded around like a prize stallion, especially not in front of Naina. As his mother continued to extol his virtues, his mind once again wandered back to the previous night. The impact of their kiss last night still lingered, and he definitely wanted to feel those lips again on his. The way she had looked at him with those deep, expressive eyes, it all came rushing back.
“Ruhaan, why don’t you show Poonam around the house?” Kaushalya suggested with a beaming smile, oblivious to her son’s discomfort.
Poonam turned to him. “Yes. I’d love a tour. Which room are you staying in?”
Ruhaan felt trapped. He was tongue-tied, trying to come up with an excuse. He needed to escape, and quickly. As if on cue, he spotted Neil playing with the other kids nearby and an idea sparked in his mind.
“Neil!” Ruhaan called out, waving the boy over.
Neil bounded over. “Yes, Ruhaan?”
He bent down to Neil’s level, speaking in a conspiratorial tone. “Did you find the ball you were looking for? It’s over by the pool area.”
Neil blinked in confusion. “I wasn’t looking for any ball—”
Ruhaan cut him off, placing a finger on his lips and then turned to the Chopras and his mother. “The kids were looking for a ball earlier, and I just remembered it’s by the poolside. I’ll go show them where it is.”
Poonam frowned slightly. “The kids can go if you just tell them where it is. They’ll find it.”
He shook his head, adopting a serious tone. “Since it’s the pool area, I can’t risk the kids going alone. Besides, Neil doesn’t know how to swim. Just in case any of them falls in, I need to be there.”
He didn’t wait for any further objections. “Excuse us,” he said quickly, ushering Neil away towards the pool area.
“Ruhaan, what’s going on?” Neil asked, clearly puzzled as they reached the pool are.
He ruffled Neil’s hair affectionately. “Thanks for helping me out of a tight spot, buddy. I just needed an excuse to get away from there.”
Neil’s eyes widened. “You lied? Mom says its bad manners to lie.”
The mention of his Mom,Naina, fluttered Ruhaan’s heart again.
He laughed, appreciating the boy’s frankness. “She is right. You should never lie, especially to your Mom. And that reminds me to ask you a favor.”
Neil looked curious. “Favor?”
He glanced around, making sure they were alone. “I need you to bring your mom to meet me on the terrace this evening. Can you do that for me?”
Ruhaan knew evening the guests would be here for the event and, so in the chaos, they could meet here without anyone’s suspicious eyes.
