Page 19 of Knot So Romantic

She rubs her arms as if feeling the goosebumps, too, and smiles. “Thank you for fixing the bell,” she murmurs as I set the ladder aside.

My eye catches on the most luxurious green fabric spread on a table. I can’t seem to take my eyes off its vibrant color.

“You like it?” she asks, following my gaze with a smile.

I don’t know what makes me want to get that fabric. “Do you think this color will go well with the colors we’ve picked for Elena’s wedding dress? I’d like to have a kurta made from it for myself.”

“I think it will complement the color of her dress beautifully. I’d be happy to design a kurta for you,” she says, her eyes twinkling.

I hesitate. “Would you like to take my measurements now? I don’t mean to impose if you’re busy,” I say, suddenly feeling self-conscious.

“Not at all,” she says quickly, with a wave of her hand. “Let’s get your measurements right away.”

She avoids meeting my eyes as I step closer. I breathe in the fruity scent of her perfume as she approaches me with the measuring tape. “This is a lovely area,” I say, trying to fill the awkward silence in the room. “I just discovered it a few days ago on my morning run.”

“Ah, so you’re one of those dedicated fitness people,” Kavita murmurs with an amused lilt. “I prefer more unorthodox exercise myself.”

“Like what?” I can’t help but ask.

She moves around to my back and starts at my shoulders. “Laughter yoga classes at the park. The instructors tell the most ridiculous jokes that have you doing deep belly breaths and ab crunches from all the laughing before you know it.”

The feeling of her fingers through my shirt electrifies my body, like being in contact with a live wire. I try to steady my breath. “You’re kidding, right?”

She straightens up, a nostalgic look in her eyes. “My mom had her little tailoring shop right here years ago. My friends and I spent so many afternoons here after school, playing on the swings and running around.”

“It seems like a great community space,” I reply, catching on to her enthusiasm. “Green areas like these are so important in cities.”

“Exactly,” Kavita nods. “We do regular clean-ups. Volunteers come to pick up trash, pull weeds, that kind of thing.”

I like her way of thinking. I want to help make this park better, too.

I remind myself to pitch a company project to fix up the park. It’d be good for the community and might even raise house prices around here.

“That’s great,” I say, watching her lean in with the measuring tape. “In my job, I’ve seen how these spaces matter. They make neighborhoods nicer and do a lot more good stuff, too.”

Kavita steps in front of me, wrapping the tape around my chest. She’s so close, her perfume enveloping me. My heart races.

“I’m happy you understand!” she says, her breath warm on my ear. “This park was special to me as a kid. I want today’s children to have that, too.”

I smile, impressed by her dedication.

As her fingers touch my chest, our eyes meet. Kavita suddenly seems aware of our proximity. Her fingers tremble slightly as she moves to measure my arm.

I inhale sharply when her hands gently encircle my bicep. Her soft touch and sweet scent make it difficult to think clearly.

Clearing my throat, I try to regain composure and continue the conversation. “So, when did you move your boutique here?”

“Almost a year ago,” she replies, her breath tickling my neck as she leans in to note the measurements. “I transformed it into my bridal boutique when Mom stayed home to care for Dad after his stroke. I renovated the place, and her former tailors now work for me. Everything fell into place perfectly.”

“Sounds like it was meant to be,” I respond, nodding approvingly.

Kavita looks up through her lashes. “I absolutely love being back in my childhood neighborhood.”

“I can see why,” I say softly. “These charming pockets are rare in Bangalore now. That connection to our roots is what drew me to sustainable projects.”

She gives me a warm smile. “Seems we have that in common.”

“Did you always know you wanted to design bridal wear?” I ask.