Page 37 of Strictly Solo
“Now, now, don’t jump to conclusions,” Subodh held up his hands defensively. “We’re not forcing anything. We just thought it might be good for you to meet someone new. It’s been seven years since... well, you know.”
Naina’s heart sank.
“Uncle, I appreciate the thought, but I’m not really interested in meeting anyone right now.”
Subodh’s face fell slightly. “I understand, beta. But at least meet him once before making up your mind. He’s coming for the anniversary celebration, and it would be rude not to at least say hello.”
Naina sighed, torn between her family’s expectations and her own feelings. The thought of entertaining another potential relationship felt wrong.
“Can’t we wait?” she asked, hoping to postpone the meeting.
Subodh shook his head, offering her an encouraging smile. “Just meet him, Naina. If you don’t like him, we’ll drop the idea. But I think you owe it to yourself to at least see if there’s any potential there.”
Reluctantly, Naina nodded. “Alright, I’ll meet him, but I can’t promise anything.”
“That’s all we ask,” Subodh said, patting her shoulder reassuringly.
As her uncle left the room, Naina slumped back into the sofa. How had her life become so complicated in just one day? On one hand, there was Ruhaan - her first love, the man who had broken her heart seven years ago, and now the object of her secret desire. On the other hand, there was this Raj - a stranger her family wanted her to consider as a potential partner.
The sound of laughter from outside caught her attention. She moved to the window and saw Ruhaan returning with the children, all of them sporting ice cream-stained grins. Her heart swelled at the sight of Neil holding Ruhaan’s hand, chattering away excitedly.
As if sensing her gaze, Ruhaan looked up and caught her eye. His smile widened, and he gave her a small wave. Naina felt her breath catch in her throat. How could she even think about meeting another man when Ruhaan made her feel like this?
She watched as the children ran inside, their excited voices filling the previously quiet house. Moments later, Ruhaan appeared in the doorway of the living room.
“Hey,” he said softly, his eyes twinkling. “The kids had a great time. I hope you don’t mind that I took them out again.”
Naina crossed her arms, trying to look stern. “You’re spoiling them, you know. We can’t make this an everyday thing.”
He stepped closer. “I made sure Neil has only one ice cream today. Unlike the last time. See? There’s progress.”
“Ruhaan?” Naina gasped as he predatorily walked towards her, shutting the door. “We need to be careful. My uncle was just here, and...”
She trailed off, unsure of how to broach the subject of Raj. Ruhaan’s brow furrowed in concern.
“And what? Did something happen?”
Naina sighed. “My uncle and aunt want me to meet someone. A man named Raj Mehta. He’s coming to the anniversary celebration.”
She watched as various emotions flickered across Ruhaan’s face – surprise probably.
“I see,” Ruhaan said, his voice tight but playful. “And what did you tell them?”
“I said I’d meet him,” she replied, trying to keep her tone casual, though her heart fluttered at the look he gave her.
Ruhaan nodded slowly, his gaze never leaving hers. “I don’t mind you meeting him. Because that doesn’t change what we have between us now, does it?”
Naina sensed the underlying jealousy in his tone and decided to play along, pushing him just a bit further. “Unless,” she shrugged with mock seriousness, “I like Raj.”
Now his expression shifted. He looked like a lover possessed, his eyes darkening with an intense emotion.
“After all,” Naina continued, enjoying the banter, “he is my uncle’s choice. I’m sure there won’t be anything I wouldn’t like about Raj. Who knows? I might be pleasantly surprised meeting him.”
In a swift motion, Ruhaan clutched her arms and pulled her flush against his body. She gasped, bracing herself for a passionate outburst. Instead, he surprised her with a smile.
“These men named Raj are reserved for Simrans,” he teased, referencing the iconic Bollywood pairing with a grin.
Naina giggled, unable to contain her amusement.
