Page 7 of Knot So Romantic

Elena is fifteen years younger than me. She’s always been my kid sister, practically growing up in my arms. Since Dad passed away when she was barely two, I’ve taken on more of a fatherly role. Unfortunately, she doesn’t remember Papa.

I settle into my large leather swivel chair. “You didn’t even ask if I was busy. What if I couldn’t make it?”

“I know you’ll work around your schedule, Neel. You’re always busy as it is!” she says, using my first name instead of any formal term for an older brother. Elena’s called me Neel since she was little—it was easier for her to say. She doesn’t act like there’s a big age gap between us, either. To her, we’re friends, and I’m the friend she calls for everything.

I sigh, knowing I won’t win if I claim to be busy. “What time is it?”

“Eleven,” she confirms. “Or should I say, ten-thirty, so you’ll arrive by eleven?” She enjoys calling me out because I’m always running behind schedule.

“I’ll be there by eleven.”

“And I want it to be a surprise for Dilip for now, so don’t tell him yet,” Elena squeals with delight.

Dilip and she have been dating for the past three years, and they make an awesome couple. I’m beyond happy that my kid sister is getting married to Dilip. Her happiness is enough to make me forget the shadows of my past.

“That’s why I’d like you to come with me,” Elena says.

I laugh. “I’m only good with numbers. What do I know about fashion and design?”

“We’ll see about that,” she replies with a playful tone.

As someone arrives at the door to summon me back to the meeting, I realize I must leave. “Listen, I’ll catch up with you tomorrow, alright? I really have to go now.”

“Okay, see you tomorrow! Mom will be thrilled to hear how the selections went,” Elena says cheerfully.

I hang up and hurry back to the meeting, my mind already shifting gears from family to business.

Hours later, I stand at my office window, looking out at the pale late afternoon sky, the sun about to set. I see a few lingering clouds. We didn’t have a good monsoon this year. The roads are packed with cars, and the evening traffic has already started. It’s a good thing I don’t live too far from work.

My thoughts skim back to the morning run around the park. How cool to live around a place like that. Those areas need to be preserved because they are the few spots left in the city worth living in. The sound of a knock at my door interrupts my thoughts.

I turn around. “Mr. Goswami is here to meet with you, sir,” my assistant says. I step away from my window and follow her to the reception area, preparing myself for the next few hours filled with more meetings.

My days are long, and it’s a while before I’m done.

As I’m heading home, my phone buzzes with a text from Elena, providing the location of the boutique we’re going to tomorrow.

As I enter my large, empty house, I feel a pang of loneliness. I’m not even sure why I bought such a big house or why I’ve kept it all these years.

The enormous, bare rooms loom before me, a stark reminder of the void in my life. I gave away all the old photographs and sold all the paintings and sculptures—everything that reminded me of my ex-wife. But I haven’t bothered to refurnish, except for a couch or two and a new bed. Nobody’s been here in the last twelve years. I might as well have lived like a monk.

Not that there haven’t been offers or hints of someone interested in a fling or two, but I haven’t dated.

I’ve had no time. I can even count on one hand the number of times I’ve had sex, and that too, with myself.

I study my large hands with closely trimmed nails, the dark blue veins jutting out. I can’t remember the last time they touched soft, feminine skin, slipped into silky hair, or caressed a luscious waist.

Is that part of my life over? Most days, I’m too busy to miss it. But sometimes, alone in my thoughts, I lie in my extra-large bed, aching for the embrace of a soulmate, yearning to fall asleep and wake up to a love that feels like home.

That’s why I work so hard. Because work makes great company for someone like me.

CHAPTER 3

Kavita

A week later, Manjula, my assistant, lets Elena in.

Neel’s sister is pretty and has a remarkable resemblance to Neel, except for the straight hair and bangs that fall into her eyes. She’s dressed in a casual T-shirt and shorts. Her face lights up the moment she sees me.