Page 32 of Strictly Solo
His mother raised an eyebrow, puzzled. “Since when did stress become beautiful?” she asked, perplexed by her son’s cryptic response.
He laughing, skillfully changing the subject, ensuring he raised his voice so that Naina too could hear. “Mom, what time is it now?”
Kaushalya glanced at her watch. “It’s 9:30, beta.”
His grin widened, knowing Naina had caught his subtle reminder of the 11:00 AM deadline he had given her to decide on his proposal. From the corner of his eye, he saw her hiding a smile as she continued her work at the table.
Suman joined Naina too at the very instant and the two of them got busy arranging breakfast. As guests began to take their seats, Ruhaan strategically positioned himself and pulled out the chair next to him, hoping Naina would join him. However, his plan backfired when Poonam approached, thanking him for saving her a seat. His face fell as he realized Naina had been grinning at his dilemma.
Naina meanwhile settled herself opposite Ruhaan, between her uncle and Suman. As breakfast began, Ruhaan was sandwiched between his mother and Poonam as his mother kept elbowing him to talk to Poonam.
Poonam chatted animatedly beside him, but he barely registered her words, his attention was entirely on Naina, who seemed to be relishing his situation while enjoying her breakfast.
Naina sipped her orange juice, placing the glass back on the table. Ruhaan looked around to ensure no one was watching, and then casually picked up her glass and took a sip. His boldness left her wide-eyed, and stunned at his audacity. He winked at her, savoring the juice as if it were the most exquisite drink in the world.
Just to remind her again, he turned to his mother once more. “Mom, what’s the timenow?”
Kaushalya checked her watch again. “It’s 10:10 AM, beta. Why are you so concerned about the time today?”
“Deadline, Mom,” Ruhaan replied cryptically. “I have a deadline for the most important project of my life. I can’t wait for it to succeed.”
Kaushalya smiled, oblivious to the true nature of his ‘project.’ “It will succeed, beta. My son never fails. You have my blessing,” she said, affectionately patting his head.
Ruhaan chuckled, realizing his mother’s misunderstanding. He turned to Naina, speaking loudly enough for those around him to hear, “Now that I have my mother’s blessings, I’m confident my project will succeed.”
Naina rolled her eyes and continued eating, trying to maintain her composure despite the growing tension between them.
“Ruhaan, are you excited about the Mehndi function tonight?” Poonam asked, trying to engage him in conversation.
“Hmm? Oh, yes, of course,” Ruhaan replied absently, his eyes darting to Naina once more.
Rohit who had noticed Ruhaan and Naina’s silent exchange of gazes interrupted this time, “Ruhaan, why don’t you and Poonam help with the decorations for tonight’s function?”
Kaushalya loved the idea. She immediately intervened. “Yes, beta. It would be a good opportunity for you two to spend some time together.”
Ruhaan suppressed a groan.
“Actually, Rohit, I was thinking of asking Naina for help. She has a great eye for design,” he said, loud enough for Naina to hear.
Naina’s head snapped up at the mention of her name. She met Ruhaan’s challenging gaze and was surprised that despite knowing his mother didn’t like her much he wasn’t bothered openly wanting to spend time with her. So, she too decided to play along.
“I’d be happy to help,” she said sweetly. “After all, we wouldn’t want the decorations to be a... disappointment.”
She tried hard not to look at Poonam who was fuming. The double meaning in Naina’s words wasn’t lost on Ruhaan. He leaned forward, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I’m sure withyourhelp, it will exceed all expectations.”
Kaushalya was unhappy but at the moment she decided to stay quiet and continued her breakfast.
Chapter 9
As the clock struck 11:00 am, the garden began to clear as guests finished their breakfast and headed inside to prepare for the Mehndi function. Ruhaan was desperate to get a moment alone with Naina to hear her decision. He watched her from a distance as she chatted with her uncle and aunt, waiting for an opportunity to approach her.
Pacing back and forth, his impatience grew. He had noticed her quick glance in his direction, the playful smile on her face making it clear she was enjoying keeping him waiting. Just as he was about to make his move, Suman appeared and whisked Naina away into the villa.
As Naina turned to leave, she again cast a fleeting glance in Ruhaan’s direction. She was thoroughly enjoying keeping him in suspense. Ruhaan sighed in frustration but couldn’t help but smile at her teasing. As he stood there contemplating his next move, he felt a small pat on his waist. He looked down to find Neil standing there with his arms crossed, and there was a suspicious expression on his face too.
He smiled at the boy’s serious expression.
“Hi there, little man,” he said, trying to sound casual.
