Page 102 of Strictly Solo
“And what happens when reality sets in, and you realize you’ve bitten off more than you can chew? Marriage isn’t easy. Parenting isn’t easy. You think love will solve everything? You’re deluding yourself! It’s not just a relationship with Naina, it’s a lifetime commitment to her and her son. Have you even thought about what that means?”
“I have thought about it. Every single day since I met Neil and Naina in Delhi, I’ve thought about it. And I know what I want. I’ve spent my life avoiding commitment, running fromanything that looked like it could tie me down. And look where it’s gotten me. Empty relationships, an empty life. But when I look at Naina and Neil, I don’t feel trapped. I feel free. I feel like I’ve found the family I didn’t know I needed.”
Kaushalya opened her mouth to counter, but Ruhaan continued before she could speak.
“Neil is an incredible little boy who just wants someone to love him and protect him, and Iwantto be that person for him. He deserves a father, and I want to be that for him. Not because I have to, but because Ichooseto.”
Naina, who had been standing silently, tears brimming in her eyes, finally stepped forward.
“Aunty,” she said. “I understand your concerns. I know this isn’t what you envisioned for Ruhaan, and I’m sorry if our decision is causing you pain. I didn’t expect Ruhaan to want this life with me and Neil. If he’s here today saying this, it’s because he truly means it.”
“I don’t have a problem with you or Neil personally, Naina,” Kaushalya replied. “You’re a good woman. I’ve seen that. But good intentions don’t make for a smooth life. You’ve been through enough. And so has my son. I don’t want either of you to end up regretting this decision. I won’t watch my son take on responsibilities he’ll regret later. You can’t just become someone’s father overnight, Ruhaan!”
Subodh, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up.
“Kaushalya, I think you’re underestimating your son’s ability to make his own choices. Ruhaan isn’t a child anymore. If he says he’s ready for this responsibility, then perhaps he truly is. And Naina? She’s proven time and again that she’s capable of raising Neil on her own. Together, they can create something beautiful if we let them.”
Kaushalya frowned, her shoulders slumping slightly. “But it’s so sudden…”
Ruhaan seized the opportunity.
“Mom, life is unpredictable. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from watching Ryma’s struggles, it’s that waiting for the ‘perfect’ moment or situation doesn’t guarantee happiness. Sometimes, you just have to take a leap of faith. And I’m ready to take that leap, with Naina and Neil.”
Ryma, who had been quietly observing so far, placed a hand on her mother’s shoulder.
“He is right, Mom. Ruhaan is not making this decision lightly. You raised us to be independent, to make our own choices. Trust him. Trust that he knows what he’s doing.”
“How can you say that, Ryma? Ruhaan doesn’t have that experience to be a father,” Kaushalya continued to argue.
Ruhaan again cut through his mother’s protests. “I may not have experience as a father, but where did Naina get her experience as a mother? Yet when the time came, she took on the responsibility of raising Neil alone. Being a single mother is far more challenging than being a father, Mom.” His voice softened. “I know what a father’s love is. Dad showed me that every day. And I’m ready to give that same love, and more, to Neil. He looks up to me, Mom, and I love him too.”
Kaushalya’s face hardened. “Is this your final decision?”
“Yes,” Ruhaan stated without hesitation. “I’m marrying Naina, Mom, and I want your blessings.”
She let out a bitter laugh.
“When you’ve already decided everything, who am I to stand in your way? You might forget that your mother’s wishes deserve respect too, but I can’t forget my love for you.”
Ruhaan’s face softened, but before he could speak, she raised her hand to stop him.
“I’m done convincing my children to listen to me. Both of you, Ryma and you, have decided to go against my wishes. So if this is what you want, so be it. But don’t expect anything fromme, Ruhaan. I’ll be a silent participant in your life and your choices. Don’t blame me later if I don’t actively participate in your wedding or if I can’t shower all my love on your wife and her son.”
Naina flinched at Kaushalya’s words, but Ruhaan’s hand on her back steadied her. Kaushalya rose from her seat and turned to Subodh and Malti Kundra, “Whatever you decide for the wedding, don’t bother consulting me. My son is clearly mature enough to make his own decisions now. I’ll leave it to him.”
Without sparing another glance, she walked toward the door. Her eyes flickered briefly toward Naina before she exited the apartment. Ryma hurried after her.
Ruhaan sighed deeply, rubbing his hands over his face. He had anticipated his mother’s reaction, but it didn’t make it any easier. He looked up to see Subodh Kundra shaking his head.
“This didn’t go well,” Subodh observed grimly. “What will you do now? Your mother is hurt, and it’s clear she’s not going to make this easy for you.”
“I know my mother,” Ruhaan replied with quiet confidence. “Give her some time. Just give me a month before we set the wedding date. That’s all I ask. She’ll come around, and if she doesn’t, I’ll still marry Naina. This time, I’m not stepping back.”
Ruhaan turned to Naina. “Whether my mother accepts it now or later, I’m not letting go of you and Neil.”
Though happiness bloomed in Naina’s heart at his words, concern clouded her features.
“Ruhaan, I don’t want to be the reason you’re estranged from your mother. I know what a son means to a mother. I’ve seen it, felt it, with Neil. I don’t want to take that bond away from her.”
