Page 61 of Strictly Solo
She turned, only to see Ruhaan’s mother standing next to the priest, offering something that was needed for the rituals. The two women exchanged a quick glance, but neither said a word. It was an unspoken understanding that they would ignore each other.
“Pandit ji,” Kaushalya said loudly this time, making sure her voice carried across the guests. “Soon I’ll be coming to you to match the kundalis of my son, Ruhaan, and Poonam. I’ve found a wonderful match for him, and I want to ensure everything is perfect before we proceed with marriage talks.”
Naina felt a twist in her gut but didn’t flinch. It wasn’t surprising how eager Kaushalya was to marry Ruhaan off. Naina knew it, had always known it. Yet hearing it out loud stung. She turned away, focusing on the priest’s instructions as though the words hadn’t affected her.
As she was about to leave, her uncle approached, looking regal in his wedding attire, wearing a proud smile on his face. Walking beside him was a tall man dressed in a designer kurta. With sharp features, neatly trimmed beard, and warm, hazel eyes he looked striking. Naina knew instantly—this was Raj, the suitor her uncle had found for her. She had seen his picture when her uncle had proposed his alliance after all.
Her gaze flicked nervously past them, seeking out Ruhaan again who stood farther back, his eyes trained on her, watching intently. The way his jaw tightened made it clear that he wanted to know how this first meeting would go.
“Naina,” her uncle began, pride brimming in his voice, “this is Raj. The man I’ve been telling you about.”
Raj offered a charming smile and extended his hand. Although his smile was disarming, but there was an awkwardness in the air. Naina forced a smile of her own as she shook his hand.
“Hello,” she said softly.
“Hello, Naina,” Raj replied. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Your uncle has spoken highly of you.”
She nodded, her polite smile still in place, though her heart wasn’t in the conversation. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ruhaan, still watching, his fists clenched by his side. She could feel the tension from where she stood.
“Raj is in real estate,” her uncle chimed in proudly. “He’s been doing exceptionally well, and, as I said before, I think you both would make a fine match.”
Raj chuckled lightly, looking at Naina again who was completely flustered.
“Your uncle tells me you’ve done an incredible job balancing work and being a mother.”
Naina’s smile faltered slightly. The mention of Neil suddenly brought a pang of protectiveness to her chest.
“Thank you,” she replied, her voice even, but she could feel Ruhaan’s eyes burning into her. She didn’t dare look at him now although till yesterday she wanted to see his jealousy side.
Raj continued, oblivious to the tension simmering around them. “I admire that. I think it’s important for a woman to be both independent and family-oriented. It’s not easy, but you seem to have mastered it.”
Naina simply smiled again.
“Raj will be staying for the rest of the festivities, Naina,” her uncle added. “I hope you both take some time to talk and get to know each other better. So, Naina, Raj is your responsibility now.”
Saying that Subodh Kundra patted Naina’s arms and left the two to talk. Naina nodded, feeling more trapped by the second.
As soon as her uncle left, the awkward silence stretched between them, but Naina, determined to clear the air, decided to speak up.
“May I ask you something?” She began, her fingers nervously fiddling with the pleats of her saree.
“Of course. Ask me anything.”
“I understand why my uncle is keen on this match, but I don’t quite understand whyyou’reinterested. I mean…” She took a deep breath, “I’m a single mother. I have a child—a responsibility. You, on the other hand, could find someone who… well, someone who doesn’t come with that kind of baggage.”
For a moment, Raj looked puzzled, but then he chuckled. “Baggage, Naina?” he repeated, still smiling. “Is that what you think Neil is?”
Her heart clenched. “I didn’t mean it like that,” she quickly corrected. “It’s just… I’ve made my peace with the fact that my life isn’t as simple as it used to be. I don’t expect someone else to walk into this and... shoulder that responsibility with me.”
Raj’s face softened as he took a step closer. “I understand where you’re coming from, Naina. But the first thing I want you to know is that I love kids. I don’t see Neil as a burden or baggage. In fact,” he continued, his tone gentle, “I admire you for what you’ve done. Raising your sister’s child, making sacrifices, those aren’t easy things. It takes strength, and that’s something I respect. I would be honored to share that responsibility with you.”
She blinked, slightly taken aback by his unexpected words. For a moment, she didn’t know how to respond. His sincerity eased some of the tension she had been holding inside, and slowly, her initial doubts started to fade.
She wondered why Ruhaan couldn’t have had thoughts like these? Why he couldn’t have seen Neil as a part of their future together, instead of a barrier between them. If Ruhaan had viewed Neil as Raj did now, everything might have been different. Maybe they would’ve been a family. Maybe they wouldn’t have spent these last seven years apart, tangled in unresolved feelings and missed chances.
“You’re saying that... all of this doesn’t scare you?” she asked again.
Raj shook his head, offering her a reassuring smile. “Not at all, Naina. I’m not looking for something easy. I’m looking for something meaningful.”
