Page 84 of Strictly Solo
“Right now, Neil is what matters. And whether you want to admit it or not, I’m worried about both of you.”
Naina gave up. Neil’s happiness was important, and sending Ruhaan away would only confuse and hurt her son. She wouldn’tadmit it, but a part of her felt a sense of relief knowing Ruhaan was here. For years, she had carried every responsibility of being Neil’s parent alone. Having someone else share that load, even briefly, felt alien, but that feeling, however temporary, was oddly comforting.
She nodded curtly, heading toward the doctor’s office with Ruhaan close behind.
Dr. Revati greeted them warmly and wasted no time delivering the update.
“Neil’s tests so far look normal. It’s a viral fever. If his vitals remain stable, you can take him home in a couple of hours.”
Both Naina and Ruhaan exhaled deeply, the tension easing from their shoulders.
“Thank you, doctor,” Naina said sincerely.
“We’ll wait until you give us the green light,” Ruhaan added.
The doctor nodded before stepping away, leaving the two alone again.
Over the next two hours, Naina stayed by Neil’s side, stroking his hair and watching him sleep. Meanwhile, Ruhaan took it upon himself to get everything they needed—food, coffee, and even fruit juice for Neil. Since Ruhaan was here, Naina had sent Shanti home.
When Neil stirred slightly but fell back asleep, Naina glanced over at Ruhaan, who had just handed her a cup of coffee.
“You didn’t come at office today,” she began. “What family emergency were you dealing with? Is your mother okay?”
Ruhaan leaned against the wall.
“Mom’s okay. It wasn’t her. It was Ryma.”
“Ryma?” Naina frowned. “What happened?”
He hesitated for a moment, his fingers brushing the rim of his cup. “She’s filing for a divorce.”
Naina’s eyes widened. “I’m so sorry, Ruhaan. Is she alright?”
“She’s… handling it,” he said with a shrug. “She came home to tell us in person and flew to Chandigarh with Mom to discuss it with her in-laws. She’s made up her mind, though. I just hope Mom can accept it.”
Naina’s heart went out to him, but before she could ask more, Ruhaan waved a hand, effectively ending the conversation.
“We can talk about it later,” he said quietly, his eyes on Neil’s sleeping form. “Right now, Neil is more important.”
Dr. Revati returned with the test results, smiling.
“All of his reports are normal, and his fever is already responding to medication. You can take him home now, but make sure he gets plenty of rest and fluids.”
Naina exhaled in relief, thanking the doctor again. Ruhaan wasted no time stepping up.
“I’ll handle the discharge formalities. You get Neil ready.”
She stood there, struck by how naturally Ruhaan had slipped into this role – handling paperwork, bringing food, staying close, showing concern. To anyone watching, he looked exactly like what he was trying so hard not to be –Neil’s father.The thought warmed her chest, even as she tried to remind herself that this was temporary, that once he dropped them to the apartment, everything would go back to normal.
Naina gently helped Neil sit up, his small frame still weak but cooperative. She buttoned up his shirt and tucked him into his jacket while Ruhaan returned with the paperwork.
“All set?” Ruhaan asked.
Naina nodded. “He’s ready.”
Ruhaan walked over and, without hesitation, scooped Neil into his arms. The boy’s eyes fluttered open briefly, a tired but content smile spreading across his face when he realized who was carrying him. He rested his head against Ruhaan’s chest.
“I’ve got you, champ,” Ruhaan replied softly, while taking him out with Naina following closely this time.
