Chapter 6
Ruhaan stood stiffly beside his mother, as she engaged in animated conversation with the Chopras.
Poonam was practically glued to his side, her eyes never leaving him.
While Ruhaan usually enjoyed women’s attention, this time he felt a wave of discomfort.
Her clinginess was suffocating, and the fact that Naina was around only made it worse.
He didn’t want Naina to see him with Poonam or any other woman, for that matter.
He wasn’t sure why it bothered him so much, especially since he and Naina weren’t even friends anymore.
But after their brief, electrifying kiss last night, everything felt different.
Seven years ago, when their engagement was called off, Ruhaan had thought it was the end for them.
He had moved on, or at least he had convinced himself he had.
But last night’s kiss had shattered that illusion.
The sleepless night that followed was proof enough that there was still something between them, and he was struggling to figure out how to deal with it.
Meanwhile, his mother was in her element, praising his accomplishments in his company and his rapid business growth over the years.
“Ruhaan beta, why don’t you tell the Chopras about that big merger you just closed? It was quite impressive, wasn’t it?”
He suppressed a sigh, recognizing his mother’s thinly veiled attempt at matchmaking. “It was just business as usual, Mom,” he replied, trying to downplay his achievements.
But Kaushalya wasn’t about to let it go. “Don’t be modest, beta! Mr. Chopra, you should hear about the growth Ruhaan’s brought to our company in the last few years. He’s quite the businessman.”
It was clear she was showcasing his good traits, subtly pushing for a marriage alliance with Poonam.
He didn’t want to be paraded around like a prize stallion, especially not in front of Naina.
As his mother continued to extol his virtues, his mind once again wandered back to the previous night.
The impact of their kiss last night still lingered, and he definitely wanted to feel those lips again on his.
The way she had looked at him with those deep, expressive eyes, it all came rushing back.
“Ruhaan, why don’t you show Poonam around the house?” Kaushalya suggested with a beaming smile, oblivious to her son’s discomfort.
Poonam turned to him. “Yes. I’d love a tour. Which room are you staying in?”
Ruhaan felt trapped. He was tongue-tied, trying to come up with an excuse. He needed to escape, and quickly. As if on cue, he spotted Neil playing with the other kids nearby and an idea sparked in his mind.
“Neil!” Ruhaan called out, waving the boy over.
Neil bounded over. “Yes, Ruhaan?”
He bent down to Neil’s level, speaking in a conspiratorial tone. “Did you find the ball you were looking for? It’s over by the pool area.”
Neil blinked in confusion. “I wasn’t looking for any ball—”
Ruhaan cut him off, placing a finger on his lips and then turned to the Chopras and his mother. “The kids were looking for a ball earlier, and I just remembered it’s by the poolside. I’ll go show them where it is.”
Poonam frowned slightly. “The kids can go if you just tell them where it is. They’ll find it.”
He shook his head, adopting a serious tone. “Since it’s the pool area, I can’t risk the kids going alone. Besides, Neil doesn’t know how to swim. Just in case any of them falls in, I need to be there.”
He didn’t wait for any further objections. “Excuse us,” he said quickly, ushering Neil away towards the pool area.
“Ruhaan, what’s going on?” Neil asked, clearly puzzled as they reached the pool are.
He ruffled Neil’s hair affectionately. “Thanks for helping me out of a tight spot, buddy. I just needed an excuse to get away from there.”
Neil’s eyes widened. “You lied? Mom says its bad manners to lie.”
The mention of his Mom, Naina, fluttered Ruhaan’s heart again.
He laughed, appreciating the boy’s frankness. “She is right. You should never lie, especially to your Mom. And that reminds me to ask you a favor.”
Neil looked curious. “Favor?”
He glanced around, making sure they were alone. “I need you to bring your mom to meet me on the terrace this evening. Can you do that for me?”
Ruhaan knew evening the guests would be here for the event and, so in the chaos, they could meet here without anyone’s suspicious eyes.
Neil tilted his head, confused. “Why do you need me to bring her? You can just ask my mom, and she’ll come.”
Ruhaan sighed, appreciating the boy’s innocence and cleverness. “She won’t come easily if I ask her.”
“Why not?”
He felt a flush creep up his neck, unable to divulge the real reason - the kiss they’d shared the night before.
“Oh, you know how grown-ups can be sometimes. We had a little disagreement, that’s all. That’s why I need your help.”
Neil’s face lit up with a mischievous grin. “Oh, I know my mom’s anger. It’s very easy to fix. Just kiss her cheek, and she’ll be fine again.”
Ruhaan grinned at the boy’s simplicity. If only it were that easy. The kiss itself had made her angrier, and another kiss would probably earn him a slap.
“Thanks, buddy, but this is a different kind of anger. Can you bring her here for me?”
Neil nodded enthusiastically. “Okay, I’ll do it!”
“Great. Remember, it’s our little secret.”
Neil saluted playfully before rushing inside to continue playing with the other kids. Ruhaan, finally relieved, watched him go. But his moment of peace was short-lived, as he heard footsteps approaching.
“Ruhaan. What are you doing here?” Rohit asked.
“Escaping.” He straightened up.
Rohit raised an eyebrow. “Escaping?”
“From Poonam,” Ruhaan clarified. “She’s... persistent.”
Rohit couldn’t help but chuckle. “I can imagine. But this is a first, you know. Ruhaan Singh, running away from a woman?”
He rolled his eyes. “You have no idea how done I am with my mother’s matchmaking skills.”
Rohit laughed. “How far do you think you can stretch this? Someday you’ll have to marry and settle down.”
He shook his head vehemently. “No, I’m happy being single. I’m not husband material, Rohit. I’ve realized that over the past few years.”
Rohit leaned against the railing, his eyes searching Ruhaan’s face. “No man thinks he’s husband material until he tries, my friend. Marriage has its perks, you know. Having someone to come home to, someone to share your day with... it’s not all bad.”
As Rohit spoke, Ruhaan suddenly visualized himself coming home to find Naina in the kitchen, making coffee in her unique style.
He imagined her smile as she handed him a cup, while he kissing her cheek.
In his mind’s eye, he even saw Neil throwing a ball at him, and he caught it, playing with the boy in the living room while Naina watched them lovingly.
Rohit’s voice jolted him out of his daydream. “Hey. I need to look after today’s ring exchange ceremony for my father-in-law and mother-in-law. Can you help me collect the rings from the store? They’re ready.”
Ruhaan agreed, still confused by the vivid dream he had of a happy family with Naina and Neil. “Sure, I’ll drive.”
***************
Evening
Naina had been busy all day, assisting with preparations for the ring ceremony.
Now, as she took a moment to breathe, she glanced around, ensuring everything was in place.
She wore a peacock blue designer saree that hugged her curves elegantly.
The saree featured intricate embroidery and beadwork, and she paired it with a backless blouse that revealed her smooth, creamy back.
She’d styled her hair in a bun, adding to the grace and sophistication of her look.
Naina hadn’t planned to wear such a revealing blouse, but Suman had insisted, saying it was perfect for the occasion.
Though comfortable, her mind kept wandering to Ruhaan and how he might react upon seeing her in this outfit.
It was a foreign sensation for her, this sudden concern for a man’s opinion.
For seven long years, she had stood tall as a single mother and a career-oriented woman, brushing off the advances and heated gazes of countless men. Yet here she was, feeling inexplicably attuned to Ruhaan’s potential gaze.
As the guests began to gather on the lawn, Naina’s thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Ruhaan entering the area.
He wore a traditional sherwani that perfectly accentuated his tall, muscular frame.
The rich fabric shimmered under the evening lights, drawing every pair of eyes to the handsome bachelor.
His dark hair was styled impeccably, and a neatly trimmed beard accentuated his strong jawline.
As he stepped onto the lawn, every pair of eyes seemed drawn to him. Women whispered behind their hands, stealing appreciative glances, while men nodded in grudging admiration. He moved with an easy grace, greeting guests with warm smiles and firm handshakes.
Naina was transfixed, remembering the similar sherwani color he had worn on their engagement. She swallowed hard as the memories of their beautiful past together flooded back.
His gaze swept across the lawn, and when it landed on Naina, his steps faltered. His eyes widened slightly, mesmerized by her beauty. The peacock blue saree made her look ethereal, and the backless blouse highlighted her delicate skin. Ruhaan couldn’t take his eyes off her.
Naina felt her heart race too as she saw admiration and something deeper in his gaze. Just then, a familiar voice jolted them both out of their trance.
“Ruhaan, there you are!” Poonam sauntered over to him. “Thank God you are here.”
He reluctantly broke his gaze from Naina and looked at Poonam. She wore a heavily embroidered lehenga choli that looked beautiful but demanded constant adjustments.
Poonam’s smile widened as she turned her back to him. “I hate to ask, but could you help me with this? The knot of my choli has come loose,” she said, gesturing to the ties at her back.