Page 73 of Knot So Romantic

“What if we don’t approve?” Dad asks.

He pauses. “Then I promise to wait until you do,” he says simply.

My parents exchange glances, clearly taken aback by his words.

Neel turns to Mom, smiling warmly. “Now, if you’re feeling up to it, the doctor says you can go home. I’ve arranged for a car to take you back.”

Mom looks at Neel, gratitude shining in her eyes. “That’s...that’s very thoughtful of you, Neel. We can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done.”

“I just have one more thing to say,” Neel says to my parents. “I hope it would be okay for our families to get to know each other. I’d like to invite all of you to my sister Elena’s wedding next month. It would mean a lot to have you there.”

My eyes are glimmering as I take in everything about Neel Menon.

I think I’m falling in love with him all over again.

CHAPTER 32

Neel

I stand in awe, taking in the grandeur of Elena’s wedding. Kiara, Kavita’s best friend and our wedding planner has transformed the sprawling Bangalore Palace Gardens into a fairytale wonderland that would make even the Ambanis nod in approval.

The expansive garden is a riot of colors and lights. Massive trees wrapped in twinkling fairy lights create the illusion of a magical forest. Glowing lanterns line the pathways, guiding guests through themed areas inspired by Elena’s favorite Bollywood movies.

The centerpiece is an enormous stage designed to look like the iconic Taj Mahal, with intricate marble-like carvings and a shimmering backdrop mimicking the reflection pool. It’s where Elena and Dilip will exchange vows and where Bollywood stars will later perform.

Flowers are everywhere, their fragrance perfuming the air. Enormous arrangements of local and exotic blooms—jasmine, marigolds, roses, orchids, and peonies imported for the occasion—adorn every surface.

As I scan the garden, my eyes land on Elena and Dilip. They look like they’ve stepped out of a blockbuster movie. Dilip is wearing a heavily embroidered deep blue sherwani.

But it’s Elena who steals the show in Kavita’s creation.

As I watch them together, their joy radiating, I feel a mix of pride and bittersweetness. My little sister looks so grown up, so happy.

For a moment, I allow myself to imagine what it might be like if it were Kavita and me up there someday, surrounded by all this love.

She’s here at the wedding, and my heart swells to see her, looking so gorgeous I want to hold her and kiss her right now.

We’ve decided to allow time until her parents accept me. And I’m willing to be patient, no matter how long it takes, for someone I love this much.

The Taj Mahal-inspired backdrop shimmers in the soft evening light as Dilip and Elena stand before the priest and the ceremonies begin.

As the priest concludes the ceremony, declaring them husband and wife, Mom reaches out and clasps my hand, squeezing it tightly. I turn to see her eyes brimming with tears of joy.

The air is suddenly filled with a shower of rose petals.

As the newlyweds make their way down the aisle, the festivities kick into high gear. The music swells, and the crowd’s excitement builds as they anticipate the next part of the evening.

The sound of a helicopter signals Shah Rukh Khan’s imminent arrival for his performance.

Suddenly, the opening chords of a familiar Bollywood tune fill the air. The crowd goes wild as Shah Rukh Khan takes the stage, his charismatic presence electrifying the atmosphere. His performance is a whirlwind of energy and charm, the perfect culmination of the ceremony.

The excitement is palpable as the celebrations continue. I can’t help but feel proud of how smoothly everything has gone. This wedding is a grand success beyond my wildest dreams.

I glance to my side and see Kavita looking breathtaking tonight. My eyes are drawn to her bare hands, and I’m suddenly struck by an overwhelming desire to see my ring on her finger.

“Hey!” I say, smiling as I see her eyes shining so brightly. Even with all the guests milling around, their chatter and laughter filling the air, I could lose myself in her gaze.

“Hey, you!” She loops her arm into mine, her expression telling me she loved every part of the wedding, too.