Page 129 of Strictly Solo
She smiled against his chest, wrapping her arm around his waist. “Disneyland… here we come.”
The night wrapped around them like a tender embrace as they drifted off to sleep, their dreams filled with visions of magical castles, Mickey Mouse ears, and the sound of their family’s laughter echoing through the happiest place on earth.
EPILOGUE
Disneyland – One and Half Months Later
One and a half months after their wedding, Ruhaan and Naina flew to Disneyland, California, enjoying a much-awaited trip that was both their honeymoon and a family vacation. They were staying in a spacious two-bedroom suite, joined by Kaushalya, and Neil, whose excitement knew no bounds. Initially, Kaushalya had been reluctant, insisting that she didn’t want to intrude on their honeymoon. But the couple had assured her that this was more of a family getaway, something they all deserved. Eventually, she had agreed, grateful to Naina for making sure she finally got to take a holiday…something Ruhaan had never really planned for her before.
For Neil, it was a dream come true. He had been eagerly waiting for this trip ever since Naina had promised to bring him to Disneyland the year before. Now that he was finally here, his joy was beyond words.
Naina was underneath the steaming shower, her thoughts wandering to how drastically her life had changed in the last one and a half months. Since her marriage to Ruhaan, everything had fallen into place like the perfect puzzle. Gone were the days when she had to juggle between work and single parenthood alone—balancing work, household duties, and raising Neil single-handedly. Now, she had a loving husband who shared her responsibilities, a mother-in-law who wholeheartedly supportedher, and a home that overflowed with love, laughter, and the warmth of family.
Each morning began with a warm household bustle. Naina and Kaushalya prepared breakfast together while Ruhaan made sure Neil got out of bed, sometimes even carrying the sleepy boy on his shoulders, much to Neil’s giggling protests. Ruhaan made sure Neil ate his breakfast, often sneaking in playful moments of bribing him with an extra cookie if he finished his milk on time.
He and Naina then drove Neil to school together. Neil loved sitting at the back passenger seat, chattering about random things like his upcoming science project while Ruhaan and Naina exchanged amused glances. During the initial days Neil even introduced his school friends to Ruhaan as his ‘Daddy’ and once again Ruhaan being the charmer, had weaved his magic over each of Neil’s friends who now thought Ruhaan was a super daddy who could do anything and everything.
After dropping Neil at school, Ruhaan would then drop Naina at her office, making sure to sneak in a quick peck on her lips, before she stepped out of the car rolling her eyes at his antics but secretly loving it. His own office wasn’t too far from Naina’s and while he worked tirelessly, the thoughts of his family always lingered in his mind.
Even Kaushalya played the perfect grandmother. She was the first to receive Neil when he returned from school. She would wait at the apartment gates, her face lighting up at the sight of her grandson bounding off the school bus. After listening attentively to all his stories about what happened during the day, they shared lunch together, after which Neil took a nap. In the evening, she sometimes accompanied him to the play area, watching him make new friends and play cricket with them.
“Dadi, did you see that six?” Neil would shout, his face glowing with excitement as he played with his new friends. Kaushalya would beam with pride, sharing his achievements with the other grandmothers who gathered to watch their grandchildren play.
By the time Ruhaan and Naina returned from work, the house was filled with the warm aroma of tea and snacks. Kaushalya always had something fresh prepared for them, while Neil ran excitedly to share the highlights of his day. Even after a tiring day, Ruhaan always took the time to help Neil with his homework and prepare him for his upcoming mid-term exams.
“The square root of 64 is...” Ruhaan prompted.
“Eight!” Neil exclaimed, high-fiving his stepfather.
“That’s my boy,” Ruhaan said, ruffling Neil’s hair.
Sometimes, Naina joined in, turning the study sessions into fun-filled moments.
Dinner was always a lively affair, with conversations, laughter, and Kaushalya’s occasional scolding when Ruhaan and Neil got too playful at the table or choosy about what was cooked. After dinner, reminding Kaushalya of her medicines was now Naina’s duty and while she did that, Ruhaan ensured the boy was ready for bed at the right time.
Once Neil was tucked in for the night, it was Ruhaan and Naina’s private time. In their bedroom, they talked about their day, their joys, and how their life had changed so beautifully since getting married.
Now back in Disney land, Naina stepped out of the bathroom, fresh from a warm shower, dressed in a soft silk robe that clung to her damp skin. She ran a towel through her wet hair, her eyes instinctively moving toward the large bed in the center of their hotel suite where her husband, Ruhaan, was sprawled on his stomach. His shirtless back was on full display.
She bit her lip, recalling the events of the night before. After a long journey, jet lag had won over romance, and as soon as Neil and her mother-in-law had settled into the other bedroom, she and Ruhaan had collapsed onto the bed, barely managing a proper goodnight kiss before slipping into deep slumber.
But now, as she stood watching him, her heart fluttered. There was something about the way he slept…completely at peace, his strong shoulders flexing slightly as he shifted. His dark hair was tousled, his lips slightly parted. And God, did he look ridiculously sexy like that.
A mischievous thought crossed her mind.
She walked toward him, leaning over his sleeping form before pressing a soft kiss against his cheek. Ruhaan let out a low groan, barely stirring as he turned to the other side, burying his face in the pillow.
Naina suppressed a laugh, leaned in again, and kissed his other cheek.
“Ruhaan…” she whispered sweetly, trailing her fingers down his back.
Another groan. No response.
Frowning, she poked his bare shoulder. “Did you forget we’re on our honeymoon? And here you are, sleeping while your beautiful wife is wide awake and waiting for you.”
Nothing.
Fine. If he wanted to ignore her, she would make sure he paid for it.
