Chapter 33
One Month Later
The preparations for Ruhaan and Naina’s wedding were in full swing.
Ruhaan was engrossed in ensuring everything was perfect to truly bask in the pre-wedding joy.
Tomorrow, Naina and Neil would become a permanent part of his life, living with him and his family.
The mere thought made his heart swell with happiness.
Standing in the center of the living room, phone pressed to his ear, he focused intently as he double-checked with the caterer about the last-minute addition to tomorrow’s menu.
“Can you confirm that Naina’s favorite dessert, ‘Rabri,’ has been added? I don’t want any last-minute surprises,” he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
When the caterer assured him it was taken care of, he exhaled a sigh of relief, mentally crossing one more task off his ever-growing checklist.
Next, Ruhaan dialed Rohit, who was currently at Naina’s apartment with his wife, Suman, and Naina’s aunt and uncle. The entire Kundra family had flown to Mumbai a week ago to join the wedding festivities, and the house was buzzing with last-minute excitement.
“Hello, would-be groom!” Rohit answered with a teasing tone, making Ruhaan grin. “How does it feel to have just one day of bachelorhood left?”
“Rohit, stop,” Ruhaan replied, shaking his head but smiling. “I don’t have time for your jokes. Listen, did Neil’s sherwani arrive? The one I sent with the driver?”
“Oh, Mr. Groomzilla, calm down,” Rohit said with a laugh. “Yes, it just arrived, and Neil’s already jumping around like it’s Christmas morning. The kid can’t wait to wear it tomorrow. Honestly, I think he’s more excited about twinning with you than the wedding itself.”
Ruhaan let out a relieved sigh. “Good. Thanks for confirming. And what’s my Naina doing? She hasn’t been answering my calls.”
“Your Naina, huh?” Rohit teased, his voice dripping with mock drama. “She’s busy packing with Suman and her aunt. You know how it goes—when women pack, it’s an endless saga. I’m telling you, they’ve practically emptied the cupboards here.”
Ruhaan laughed softly. “Make sure she doesn’t forget anything. I don’t want Naina and Neil missing any essentials while shifting tomorrow to our home.”
Rohit hummed in agreement before switching back to his mischievous tone. “Man, I still can’t believe this is happening. The great Ruhaan, the eternal bachelor, the heartbreaker, is finally settling down. Who would’ve thought?”
“Better late than never,” Ruhaan shot back. “By the way, make sure Neil doesn’t forget his school stuff. Like his schoolbooks, homework, that favorite pencil box of his, and all his art stuff. Oh, and don’t forget to pack his toys too.”
“Seriously?” Rohit continued, “you’re worried about school supplies and pencil boxes now? You’ve really changed, man. I’m impressed.”
“Neil’s studies are important,” Ruhaan said defensively, though his grin betrayed him.
“Relax, man,” Rohit reassured him, laughing. “Everything’s packed—school stuff, toys, even his secret stash of chocolates. Suman and I made sure of it. You just focus on getting through tomorrow without fainting at the mandap.”
Ruhaan chuckled. “Very funny. Thanks, Rohit. I owe you one.”
“You owe me a lot more than one,” Rohit said mock-seriously. “But hey, I’ll settle for front-row seats to the ‘Suhaagraat Chronicles.’”
“Shut up, Rohit,” Ruhaan said quickly, his ears turning red at the mention of his and Naina’s first wedding night. Although they had been intimate a few times in this one month, the final act was kept for after their wedding.
While continuing the call, Ruhaan entered the kitchen, the warm aroma of sweets and spices immediately hitting him.
Kaushalya stood near the counter, carefully counting sweet boxes.
She was muttering numbers under her breath, while his sister, Ryma, leaned against the fridge, holding a notepad, occasionally making notes.
“Fifteen for the maternal side, twenty for the paternal…” Kaushalya muttered, her hands moving swiftly as she arranged the boxes neatly.
“Mom, do you really think anyone’s counting like you?” Ruhaan teased, leaning against the doorway with a crooked smile.
Kaushalya glanced up, catching sight of the phone still in his hand. “Who were you talking to?” she asked, pausing mid-count and narrowing her eyes.
“Rohit,” Ruhaan replied casually. “Just checking if everything’s on track.”
“Good,” she said briskly, brushing her hands on her saree. Then, without waiting for a response, she extended her hand. “Pass me the phone. I need to talk to Malti about the sweets for her side of the guests.”
Before Ruhaan could protest, Kaushalya snatched the phone from his hand.
“Mom!” he groaned in exasperation. “Can’t you call her on your phone? Why hijack mine every time?”
“It’ll just take a minute,” she dismissed him with a wave of her hand, already asking Rohit to pass the phone to his mother-in-law Malti.
Ryma, who had been watching this exchange with growing amusement, burst out laughing. She nudged Ruhaan playfully. “Desperate to talk to Naina, huh? You talk to her every day. From tomorrow, you won’t even need a phone to communicate.”
Ruhaan rolled his eyes but couldn’t stop the grin tugging at his lips. “Yeah, right. Only if mother India here lets me. The way she’s gearing up to be Naina’s mother-in-law, I wonder if I’ll even get half the time I’ve planned to spend with my wife.”
Ryma laughed knowingly. “True that. Mom’s probably already planning Naina’s induction into her kitty parties!”
Kaushalya, overhearing them, turned her head slightly. “Of course I am! Unlike those grumbling friends of mine who never appreciate their daughters-in-law, I’ll proudly flaunt mine! Sweet, responsible, and perfect. My bahu is going to outshine all of theirs.”
Ruhaan chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re already putting her on a pedestal, Mom. Let her breathe first.”
Kaushalya ignored his comment as Malti came on line. Even Ryma wasn’t done teasing her brother yet. She leaned closer to him and whispered conspiratorially, “So, have you two decided on your honeymoon yet?”
Ruhaan shot her a look, but then sighed. “Not yet. Neil’s midterm exams are at the end of this month, and we don’t want to disturb his routine. We’ll go after that. Someone has to help him with his studies.”
Ryma beamed, her teasing giving way to genuine pride. “Look at you, already sounding like a responsible father. I’m so proud of you, Ruhaan!”
He rubbed the back of his neck, his expression softening. “Honestly, I’m more nervous about being a good father to Neil than being a good husband to Naina. I don’t want to let either of them down.”
Ryma reached out and pinched his cheek affectionately. “You’re going to be amazing in both roles. You already are.”
Just then, Ruhaan noticed Kaushalya still on the phone, her conversation with Malti stretching far longer than her promised “minute.” He hurried over, snatching the phone gently from her hand.
“Mom! You said one minute!” he exclaimed, exasperated but amused.
Kaushalya swatted at him playfully. “Fine, fine. But you better make sure Naina knows how lucky she is to marry you. For getting a mother-in-law like me.”
Ruhaan grinned, pushing the phone to his ear. “Oh, trust me, Mom. I remind her every chance I get.”
Ryma burst into laughter, and even Kaushalya couldn’t help but chuckle as they continued their wedding preparations.
“Hello, Malti Aunty? Can I talk to Naina now?” Ruhaan asked, returning to his bedroom.
“Hold on,” Malti replied, her laugh ringing through the phone. “She’s busy putting Neil to bed. Let me go grab her for you.”
Ruhaan smiled, imagining the scene at Naina’s apartment. Before Malti could get Naina on the line, a small, familiar voice interrupted. “Ruhaan?”
Ruhaan’s grin widened instantly. “Hey, champ. Still awake? Shouldn’t you be asleep by now?”
“I’m almost in bed,” Neil replied in a serious tone, as if defending his case. Then he asked with the utmost sincerity, “But Ruhaan, do you have a cricket bat at your house? Mine broke the other day, and I don’t have a new one.”
Ruhaan chuckled. “A cricket bat, huh? Don’t worry, buddy. Once you’re here, we’ll get you a brand-new one. Maybe two.”
Neil let out a delighted cheer, his excitement almost leaping through the phone. Ruhaan could hear Naina’s voice in the background, trying to calm him down. “Neil, stop jumping on the bed and go to sleep!”
Neil, of course, ignored her and continued. “Ruhaan, from tomorrow, we’ll live with you and Daadi, right?”
“Yes,” Ruhaan said warmly. But the slight hesitation in Neil’s voice didn’t go unnoticed. “What’s wrong, Neil? Don’t you want that?”
“I do,” Neil admitted, his voice softening. “But… I’ll miss my friends here.”
Ruhaan’s heart ached at the boy’s innocent confession. “I understand, champ. But hey, you’ll still see them at school, and I’ll make sure we visit them whenever you want. Plus, you’re going to make some amazing new friends in no time.”
There was a pause, and then Neil said, “Promise?”
“Promise,” Ruhaan said firmly.
Just as Neil’s mood lifted, Ruhaan heard Naina’s voice in the background. “Neil, hand me the phone. Stop hogging it!”
Moments later, Naina finally came on the line. “Ruhaan, sorry about that. He just wouldn’t let go of the phone.”
Ruhaan grinned. “It’s fine. I love talking to him. How are you holding up?”
“Exhausted,” Naina replied with a laugh. “Today’s Haldi ritual wore me out. And now I’m just finishing the last of the packing.”
“Don’t overdo it,” Ruhaan said, his tone soft and reassuring. “Tomorrow’s going to be perfect, I promise.”
“I know. I can’t wait to officially become Mrs Naina Ruhaan Singh.”
Just then, the door to Ruhaan’s bedroom opened, and Kaushalya walked in with Ryma following behind her. Kaushalya held a small plate of sweets and set it on the nightstand. “Here, try this,” she said, watching him intently. “It’s for tomorrow’s special guests.”