Page 33 of Knot So Romantic

As he speaks more about his company, it’s clear how passionate he is about natural and eco-friendly environments.

I smile in wonder when we arrive at a small lake nestled at the end of the property. The water shimmers with the reflection of the lampposts surrounding it.

Neel gestures toward the lake, a hint of pride on his face. “This lake’s one of our major projects. We worked hard to restore it and ensure a healthy ecosystem. For me, it’s not just about constructing property but about blending in with nature and giving back to the environment.” He pauses, glancing at me, sheepishly running a hand through his hair. “Sorry, I tend to get carried away when I talk about work.”

“No, no need to apologize. I really admire what you’re doing. I try to use eco-friendly materials in my designs, too. It’s something I always talk to my clients about,” I say, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks as I realize I’m the one getting carried away now. “You’ve touched on a topic that we both feel strongly about.”

“We’re more alike than I thought,” he laughs as we take a stroll by the edge of the lake.

A few fireworks go off in the distance, although it’s not yet Diwali. The air feels a bit chilly, and I pull my dupatta around my shoulder.

He leads me to a large stone seat by the edge of the lake. “Come, let’s sit over here.” The stone is low, and he helps me sit down first.

The stone feels cool to touch beneath my fingertips. The atmosphere is soothing, the faint aroma of the lake mingling in the air. I take in the peaceful silence except for the soft rustle of leaves in the night breeze and the gentle chirping of crickets nearby.

As Neel settles down beside me, I feel the subtle warmth of his arm brush lightly against mine, our shoulders touching. His familiar scent envelops me like a comforting blanket. “My feet were killing me,” I say, flexing my toes. “I’m glad we found a seat.”

He shifts beside me, his shoulder brushing mine as he turns. “Mine too. I’ve never danced like that before.”

I can’t help but smile, remembering his awkward steps earlier. Does he know how much he makes me smile? I’ve never felt this way around someone before.

“How about your knuckles?” I tease.

“They’re fine now.”

“Good thing you didn’t break anything,” I chuckle, nudging him playfully.

“Not exactly a smart move at my age,” he quips.

“Your age?” I laugh. “You’re never too old to dance!”

“I’m fifty, Kavita. Probably twice your age. And trust me, that was my first real dance.”

I’ve always known that he’s much older than me, but it doesn’t matter to me. Age is just a number, after all. I find myself drawn to the crinkles around his eyes when he smiles. “You don’t look fifty,” I say boldly. “I hope I’m still dancing when I’m your age.”

“You’ve got a long way to go,” he says. “But I bet you’ll be less awkward than me.”

I blush as his gaze shifts. The way he looks at me makes me feel like I’m the only person in the world. His eyes are intense yet gentle, and I find myself getting lost in them. There’s admiration there and warmth, and maybe something deeper—something that makes my heart race and my skin tingle.

I try to hide my reaction by rummaging inside my bag and pulling out a box of sweets. “Here,” I offer. “Want some?”

“What is that?” he asks, intrigued.

“Grandma passed me some laddoos she bought at the stall.”

“Ah, a little indulgence to end the night?” he says with a smile.

“A sweet ending to a memorable night, I think.” I extend the box toward him.

“I couldn’t agree more. It’s not every day we get to enjoy laddoos like these. Are you sure you want to share?”

“Of course! Help yourself.”

He grins and picks one up, popping it into his mouth. “Mmm, this is heavenly,” he says, savoring the sweet.

Looks like we share a love for traditional sweets. I smile. “Funny thing about age,” I say, circling back to our earlier topic. “Even though I’m only twenty-seven, my parents think that’s too old when it comes to marriage.”

He leans forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “I was almost thirty when I married Ramya, but now, in hindsight, I was also young and foolish.”