Page 40 of Knot So Romantic

“We’re a team,” Neel says, shrugging it off like it’s no big deal, as if he hasn’t taken a huge load off my chest by volunteering to help with so much.

Something flutters in my stomach as his gaze meets mine and lingers.

“Let’s have some tea,” Kiara announces.

Suddenly, everyone is craving tea. I make my way toward the pantry. “I’ve got peppermint tea.”

“Perfect! Let’s sit for a bit,” Khushi says, stretching out on one of the couches.

Everyone settles down on the couches. The aroma of peppermint tea fills the air as I pour it into cups.

Kiara takes a sip of her tea and gives a happy sigh. “Today was perfect, wasn’t it? It took me back to when we all signed up for our school beauty pageant.”

“We were just six,” Khushi grins.

Neel leans forward, balancing his cup in his hand. “Now, this I’ve got to hear. What happened?”

Khushi perks up as though reliving that memory. “Oh, it was epic! We all signed up for the beauty pageant, and Kavita went all out. She made us paper crowns, cute sashes, and even designed our dresses.”

Neel looks impressed.

I blush. “I thought we’d look pretty good, and we did.”

“Good?” Kiara says, “We were the stars of the show! Kavita made something unique for each of us.”

Neel turns to me, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. “That sounds amazing! You were a fashion designer even back then. What were your dresses like?”

“We got leftover silk pieces my mom had, and we glued them together. It was a bit mismatched, but I thought it was artistic.”

“Kavita’s designs were a big hit!” Kiara says.

Khushi laughs. “The teachers were so confused about whom to give the first prize to that they gave it to all three of us.”

I chuckle. “We struggled to get up on that box that was meant for the first-place winner, remember?”

We are laughing as we remember the prize distribution ceremony. Neel gives me an admiring smile. “It’s incredible that you’ve always had this passion and channeled it into something so meaningful.”

“Thank you, Neel. Back then, I had no idea that it would become my profession one day.”

“Seeing Kavita in her element is always a treat,” Khushi gushes, her eyes twinkling with admiration.

“This fashion project and the park have a special place in our hearts. We grew up playing there every day after school,” Kiara says.

“Yeah, we even had a secret club! Kavita was the president, of course, and she made us matching badges,” Khushi adds.

“And our mission was to save the world, one dress-up session at a time!” Kiara laughs. “It’s so funny when I think of it now.”

“It’s great to see how much this event means to all of you,” Neel says, warmth shining through his eyes.

I meet his gaze, feeling a flutter in my chest. “And it’s wonderful to have you not only sponsoring this but getting really involved. It means the world to us.”

Neel’s smile says he loves it all as much as we do.

We finish our teas, and soon Kiara and Khushi leave too.

Finally, the boutique is empty, except for Neel, who wants to discuss some itinerary and other details of the event.

I wash and put away the teacups while Neel walks to the doorway and looks up at the bell. “I’m glad I don’t have to worry about hitting this bell anymore.” Then he looks at me and frowns. “You look tired. We can talk tomorrow if you’d like.”