Page 57 of Knot So Romantic

“I can’t wait to tell Mom,” she teases.

“You won’t tell her anything,” I warn.

Elena laughs, settling into her seat. “Alright, alright. Your secret’s safe with me...for now.” She pauses, then adds more seriously, “But Neel, don’t wait too long. It’s obvious how happy Kavita makes you.”

As we drive off, Elena starts chatting about her wedding plans, but my mind drifts back to Kavita and our relationship.

I don’t know if everything is moving too soon for us.

CHAPTER 24

Kavita

The fashion show is today. I’m running late and decide to wear a sari on top of that.

As I make my way to the park, where the entire street is lined with paper streamers leading up to the venue, my heart is racing. I’m nervous and excited about the fashion show.

It’s been weeks of hard work, but having my friends and Neel help me has been invaluable. I don’t know what I’d do without them.

The hem of my sari almost trips me, and I regret listening to Mom about wearing it today. She said it would be perfect for attracting eligible bachelors, but my eyes are on the lookout for just one man.

The man I can’t see right now.

The park is lit up. There’s music playing in the background, and it’s teeming with people. The aroma of street food tickles my nostrils as I quickly make my way down the narrow lane leading to the backstage area where my models are waiting.

I enter the tent, where all the women are chatting and laughing. They’re dressed in the beautiful saris and dresses I’ve designed, with makeup on. It’s a sight to behold.

My hands flutter to my mouth when I see them all. They look so stunning that my eyes tear up.

“That’s why we wanted you to come when we were ready,” Kiara laughs as I hug her.

“This is the best sight of my life,” I say, shedding tears.

Khushi comes and hugs me. “Why are you crying?”

I wipe my tears and smile. “Because I’m so happy to see all you dazzling women up here.”

“This is all your creation! That’s why we all look so beautiful,” Grandma says, cradling my face and wiping my tears. “Now, you’re ruining all your makeup.”

I laugh and dab at my tears. “You’re right!”

Neel suddenly appears at our tent.

“Neel,” I say, surprised to see him.

“I have a surprise for the fashion show,” he says, keeping it brief.

“What is it?”

“We’ve got a special guest who’s going to donate one of her saris for the auction.”

“Really?”

“Yes, just hold on at the end, and I’ll bring her to the back so she can bring the show to a finale before we start the auction.”

I’m excited to see our special guest, and I have butterflies in my stomach about meeting Neel’s mother later. Is he going to introduce me as his girlfriend? Will she think I’m suitable for him?

“Where’s my lipstick?” someone asks, and my attention is once again diverted to the women packed in the backstage tent. I press a hand to my stomach to calm my jitters.