Page 41 of Knot So Romantic

“I’m okay,” I say. “The tea has perked me up.” It’s true. Nothing like a perfectly hot and soothing peppermint tea to melt away the tiredness of a long day. My feet are aching a bit, but I’m happy everything went well and that we’ve made so much progress. I think I could go on for a few more hours before I crash.

Especially because I’m looking forward to spending some time alone with Neel.

Soon, Neel and I are seated on the couch to discuss the logistics. I’m in awe as he pulls up several spreadsheets on his phone.

I move closer and look at all the graphs and pie charts he’s created as he begins to rattle off numbers.

He’s thought of everything—the permits, registration, vendors, and a lot more. He’s all efficiency and precision. He has plans for all the things that I would never have thought of or been able to manage on my own.

I’m in awe of this man and so grateful that he’s taking care of all these numbers and calculations, the things I hate to admit are the very things that stifle my creativity. Now, he can deal with the logical side while I focus only on the creative side of the fashion show.

I stretch and yawn by the time we’re done.

“Sorry, it’s late. You look tired and sleepy,” Neel says.

“Thank you for taking care of so much for me,” I say. “Today has been fun.” My heart skitters as I feel his gaze on me. I want to reach out and hug him, but I don’t.

Instead, I watch as his eyes crinkle as he smiles. “Today was interesting. I’m not used to having this much fun.”

“From the look in their eyes, I could tell the women adored you.”

“Yeah…” He goes quiet and looks away.

“Neel, is something wrong?” My mind drifts back to my conversation with Kiara and Khushi and their encouragement to explore my feelings for Neel. But doubt creeps in. Have I been too hasty in thinking he might have feelings for me? What if I misread the signs and risk ruining our friendship?

“You don’t know enough about me,” he says out of the blue.

I want to. I really do. I swallow. “Then tell me about you.”

He hesitates for a moment, his eyes clouding over. “I need to tell you something about my ex-wife. It’s been on my mind all evening.” He takes a deep breath. “She called me, right before I came to the rehearsal.”

I wasn’t expecting to talk about his ex-wife. I can see the pain in his eyes. He’s hurting, and I want to comfort him, but I decide to let him speak first. I wonder if he trusts me enough to share what’s bothering him.

“She’s called me a few times lately,” he says, running a hand through his hair.

I frown, confused.

“It’s been so long since our divorce. I don’t know why she’s calling now,” he continues. “She probably wants money. That’s all she cared about when we were married. When I refused one of her big requests, she divorced me and started spreading lies about me.” His voice cracks. “The rumors really hurt my mom.”

My heart hurts as I ask, “What kind of rumors?”

“She said I couldn’t have kids.”

“What?” I gasp, shocked.

CHAPTER 17

Neel

For a moment, Kavita says nothing, her face filled with disbelief.

Then she reaches out and holds my hand, intertwining her fingers with mine. For a long moment, she remains silent. Then, she gets up and says, “I think we could both use another cup of tea.” Before I know it, she’s back and handing me a steaming cup.

I take a long sip and exhale.

She looks at me, her eyes filled with concern. “Neel, I’m so sorry you had to go through this. Those rumors must have been devastating for you and your family. We don’t have to talk about it if you’re not comfortable.” She hesitates, then gently adds, “I just want you to know that if you ever feel like sharing, I’m here to listen without judgment.”

It feels strange to have her watching me with such genuine concern. Her soft, cool hand cups mine again, and my eyes flutter closed for a moment. I’m not used to this kind of affection. I’ve never experienced it before.