Page 26 of Knot So Romantic

“Come on.” Mom tugs at my hand. “They’re waiting.” We make our way through the crowd toward the less crowded area near the stalls at the back. The music is mellow here. Mom spots her friend and pulls me along.

“Sarika,” she calls out. “Meet my daughter, Kavita.”

We exchange polite hellos. Sarika takes me in from head to toe, her eyes glinting with curiosity. “Kavita, nice to meet you! So, what do you do for a living? Are you married? Any kids?” she asks, not even pausing for a breath.

I force a smile. “I run my own boutique, and no, I’m not married.”

“Oh, a boutique! How interesting!” Sarika exclaims. “But you know, a pretty girl like you should settle down soon. You don’t want to miss the marriage train, do you?” She lets out a shrill laugh.

I’ve danced for hours now, and I’m starving. I need something to eat before I can handle all these questions hurled at me. I groan inwardly, desperately wanting to escape.

I answer some more questions as politely as I can and excuse myself, making a beeline for the samosa stall. The aroma wafting from the fried samosas and chutney is to die for.

I’ve just taken a bite of a samosa when Mom comes back. “Kavita, meet Padma, my old classmate.”

Padma smiles. “This is my son, Rakesh. Rakesh, this is Shalu’s daughter, Kavita!”

A lanky guy appears by her side. “Hello, Aunty! Hello, Kavita!”

My mother stares at me as I try to greet them with food in my mouth.

“Hello, Rakesh,” I manage. The next moment, the mothers disappear, and it’s just Rakesh and me.

“It’s so great to meet you, Kavita. Your mom and my mom go way back, it seems. Small world, isn’t it?”

I nod at him, trying to chew fast.

“I actually just got back from trekking in Dharamshala. Have you been?”

I shake my head.

“No? Oh, it’s beautiful. The mountains, the monasteries...” Rakesh drones on.

My feet ache. I shift my weight from one foot to the other, trying to balance the plate of samosas in my hand as I struggle to pay attention. I shoot him a few pointed looks, hoping he’ll pause, but no such luck.

“...and the food, don’t get me started on the momos and thukpa they have up there! You really should try to make a trek sometime, Kavita. It’s just so invigorating and rejuvenating for the soul...”

My free hand fiddles agitatedly with the paper napkin as he rambles on without taking a breath. Just then, I spot Neel. He’s standing not too far away, still talking on his phone.

As Rakesh looks away for a second, I wave at Neel with my napkin, mouthing, “Help me!”

Neel doesn’t notice me at first, but finally, I catch his eyes. “Please!” I mouth again.

I’m relieved when Neel finally catches on. Giving me an almost imperceptible nod, he ends his phone call and strides over.

“Kavita! There you are,” he interjects loudly. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

Rakesh stops mid-sentence, blinking in confusion. “Oh, hello...”

“Sorry to interrupt, but I really need to borrow Kavita for an urgent matter,” Neel says smoothly, putting a hand on my shoulder. “Family emergency.”

“Of course, of course!” Rakesh sputters, still looking bewildered.

Neel ushers me away swiftly before any more questions.

Once we’re out of earshot, he leans in with a teasing grin. “What was that all about, anyway?”

“My mom was setting me up again!”