Page 31 of Knot So Romantic

Before I know it, Neel pulls me into him, and the next moment, I’m pressed against his chest, my heart racing as the car speeds by. His strong arms hold me tight while I allow my heartbeat to return to normal.

As we stand there in the middle of the road and the quiet night around us, I realize something.

Neel’s arms feel like a place I never want to leave.

CHAPTER 12

Neel

Kavita’s hair smells fruity, like a blend of strawberries and summer rain. She fits perfectly in my arms, her head nestled just below my chin. The warmth of her body pressed against mine, along with the delicate softness of her hair brushing against my chest, fills me with a sense of protectiveness. “Did that scare you?” I ask, my voice low, sensing the faint tremble of her breath.

“Yes,” she whispers back, her voice a soft murmur vibrating against me. “Such rowdy boys.”

I can feel the tension in her slender frame. I’m aware of every point where our bodies touch. The subtle scent of her perfume mixes with the fruity aroma of her hair, enveloping us in an intimate cocoon. Her face is buried in my chest, and I sense the light brush of her breath through my shirt.

I want to savor this moment, memorizing the feel of her against me, reluctant to let go of this unexpected closeness between us. A mix of emotions stirs within me—protectiveness, longing, and a growing affection that I’m still grappling to understand.

I don’t know why, but things seem different between us as she holds on to me tight.

She pulls out of my embrace slowly. “That was a bit unnerving!” she exhales.

I want to make sure she’s fine before we leave. “I hope you’re okay.”

“I am now. And I’m so sorry about dragging you into all this tonight,” she says, her words laced with guilt.

“Don’t be. I’m happy I have a ride home.” Though it’s been a long time since I rode a scooter.

Pushing her hair off her face, she smiles at me. “It’s the least I could do to drop you home after everything you’ve done.”

“I must say I had a good time tonight,” I say.

“I hope you didn’t mind my mom. She can’t stop herself from trying to find a match for everyone she meets,” she laughs. “I have a hard time pushing back against it myself.”

“You don’t want to get married?”

“Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that I don’t want to get married. I just don’t want to go through an arranged marriage. Meet and marry someone I hardly know, let alone love.”

I laugh. “Good thinking! Some of us have made that mistake.”

Her face falls. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.”

I shake my head. “No need to be sorry. It’s the story of most of us, usually, unlike a few brave hearts like you.”

“You give me way more credit than I deserve.”

She smiles at me, a strand of hair on her cheek. I feel the urge to tuck it behind her ear.

Instead, I tug at her hand. “Come on, let’s go. I’ll drive.”

She looks surprised. “You know how to ride a scooter?”

“I’m a bit out of practice, but I think I can manage.”

She sits behind me. “Are you sure?”

As I take off, wobbling at first, I realize it’s been over a decade since I last rode a scooter.

“Do you know,” she says above the sound of the wind, “I was so scared to ride a scooter I almost never learned?”