Page 67 of Strictly Solo
The sensation was so intense, so consuming, that for a moment, Naina felt like she was losing herself completely. Her vision blurred, her mind spinning out of control. She felt as though she was passing out. With one final shudder, she collapsed back onto the bed, her chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath. Ruhaan finally pulled back, his eyes dark and heated as he watched her with a satisfied, possessive gaze.
Chapter 19
Next Morning
The morning light filtered through the curtains. Naina slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the brightness. It took a moment for her to realize where she was…inRuhaan’s bedroom, his arms still wrapped securely around her as if even in sleep, he was reluctant to let her go. She glanced at his sleeping face. Her heart squeezed at the thought of leaving today to Mumbai. This had been their last night here, the last night in the bubble they had created during this trip. She couldn’t help but think how Ruhaan had made her feel. It had been a turning point in their relationship, a monumental shift that had left her breathless and yearning for more.
They had made love, or at least, come as close to it as they dared. Ruhaan had been attentive, passionate, and above all, respectful. He had pleasured her in ways she had never experienced before. She had seen the desire burning in his eyes, matching her own willingness to take that leap. But there had been something else there too - a hesitation. It was as if he wasn’t quite sure whether consummating their relationship so soon was the right thing to do. She had respected his decision, grateful for his consideration and self-control. But she couldn’t deny that part of her wanted to give in, to give him all of herself.
So, they had spent the rest of the night exploring each other in other ways – tender kisses, passionate caresses, andwhispered words of affection, speaking volumes about their growing feelings for one another.
Yet, now that the morning had come, reality settled in. She had responsibilities—Neil, her life in Mumbai, and the fact that this had started as a casual fling. But the way her heart beat for Ruhaan now, it no longer felt casual.
Suddenly she remembered with a jolt that Neil would be waking up soon. Panic surged through her as she imagined her son finding her absent from their room.
Quickly, she slipped out of the bed, careful not to wake Ruhaan as she gathered her saree from the floor. She tried to drape it quietly, acutely aware that she couldn’t risk anyone seeing her do the“walk of shame”in last night’s attire. Her fingers fumbled with the pleats, her mind still hazy with sleep and the lingering effects of their passionate night.
Soon enough behind her, she heard the rustle of sheets as Ruhaan stirred. His gaze fell on her, watching her dress up. Before she could finish adjusting the pleats of her saree, she felt his strong arms encircle her waist, pulling her back against his chest.
“Where are you going?” His voice was groggy. “Can’t you stay a little longer?” His lips brushed her neck.
Naina bit her lip, trying not to melt under his touch again. “Ruhaan,” she said softly, pushing him away gently but not completely. “I’ve already given you an entire night. Isn’t that enough?”
“Not nearly enough,” he whispered, his breath hot against her skin. “It’ll never be enough, Naina.”
Hope bloomed in her chest. Perhaps this wasn’t just a fleeting moment of passion. Perhaps Ruhaan truly didn’t want to let her go. Maybe Ruhaan this time wanted more than what they’d originally agreed to.
Ruhaan gently turned her around, his hands resting on her waist as he kissed her temple.
“You still haven’t given me your address in Mumbai,” he said, a playful glint in his eyes.
She looked up at him, eyebrows raised. “Why do you need my address? I’m not inviting you over, if that’s what you think,” she teased.
He chuckled, pulling her closer. “If you won’t give it to me, I’ll just get it from your uncle.”
Naina laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. “You wouldn’t dare,” she challenged.
“Oh, don’t underestimate me. I’m capable of asking for a lot more from your uncle if I have to.”
Naina’s smile faltered, her heart skipping a beat as she tried to decipher what he meant. Was he really thinking about something more serious, more permanent? Even Ruhaan seemed taken aback by his own declaration, confusion flitting across his features. Before she could ask, a loud shout from outside broke the moment.
“Mom?”
It was Neil, and his voice carried the unmistakable tone of frustration. Naina’s heart lurched, and without hesitation, she pulled away from Ruhaan, rushing out of the room. She moved swiftly through the house, following the sound of Neil’s voice, wondering what could have upset him so early in the morning.
The moment she found Neil standing in the hallway, his little fists clenched in irritation, she immediately sensed something was wrong. Around him stood Ruhaan’s mother, Kaushalya. Neil’s voice had woken up her uncle and aunt as well who came out of their room followed by Suman and Rohit from their own bedroom.
The moment Neil spotted his mother, he bolted toward her.
Naina quickly kneeled in front of him, her heart pounding with worry.
“Neil, what’s wrong? Why are you so upset this early in the morning?” She glanced up at the others, particularly Kaushalya, wondering if something had been said to upset her son. But what could she have possibly told him?
Neil’s face crumpled with frustration as he replied, “I don’t like Raj uncle.”
Naina blinked in surprise, and so did everyone else. Just yesterday, Neil had seemed perfectly comfortable around Raj. What could have changed so drastically overnight? Her uncle and aunt exchanged confused looks, and even Ruhaan’s mother seemed taken aback.
“Why, Neil?” Naina asked gently, trying to keep her voice calm. “What happened to make you feel this way about Raj uncle suddenly?”
