Page 47 of Knot So Romantic

I say, “Well, our company is sponsoring an event to save the local park. Kavita’s organizing a fashion show for it.”

Mom’s eyes light up with interest. “Is that so?”

I nod, smiling at the memory. “Yeah, Kavita’s grandmother and her friends pulled me into their rehearsal the other day. They made me dance with them!”

“Neel has gotten better since the Dandiya,” Elena teases. “You should’ve seen him.”

Mom bursts out laughing. “Oh, I would have loved to see that!”

“I think the event is going to be amazing. You should come watch, Ma.”

Her eyebrows raise in surprise. She rarely goes out because of her bad knees. “Really? You want me there?”

“Of course,” I say warmly. “It would mean a lot to me.”

She considers for a moment, then nods. “Alright, I’ll come. But tell me, when do I get to meet this Kavita? You’ve already met her mother and grandmother!”

“Ma!” I groan.

She raises her hand to stop my protest. “You met her family, and I haven’t even seen her yet,” she complains good-naturedly.

“The meeting with her family was totally unplanned,” I explain. “I didn’t mean for it to happen that way.”

Elena pipes up. “Oh, come on, Neel. Admit it. You’re just trying to keep Kavita all to yourself.”

I shoot Elena a warning glance.

Mom’s eyes soften. “You like her, don’t you?”

I want to deflect, but looking at Mom’s curious expression, I nod. “Yes, I like her. But it’s complicated.”

Mom squeezes my hand. “I know, sweetheart. Love is never easy.”

Later, as we sit on the couch, my head in Mom’s lap, she strokes my hair softly. “I give you my blessings,” she says.

“But you haven’t even met Kavita yet,” I protest weakly.

“I don’t need to. A mother knows. But yes, I would like to meet her soon.”

I chuckle. “I promise, Mom. In due time. Right now, I’m just trying to wrap my head around all this.”

As I drift off, I remember something. “Ramya’s been calling me recently. I don’t know why she’s trying to reach me.”

Mom’s hand stills in my hair. Her voice is tinged with regret when she speaks. “I still can’t believe she claimed to have lost your grandmother’s ring during the settlement. It’s such a precious family heirloom.”

She pauses, then continues softly, “You know, I’ve always hoped that somehow we could get it back. It belongs here, with us, until you’re ready to give it to someone who truly deserves it.”

***

Work has been crazy for the last couple of weeks, causing me to miss my morning runs for days on end.

At the office, my assistant tells me that my appointment is waiting in the conference room. I head over to discuss a land deal I’m particularly interested in. The guy is sharp and knows a good bargain, but I know how to be patient.

When the deal falls through, and the man leaves, I remind myself that it’s not over yet. It’s never over until I’ve given up, and I’m not willing to do that in this case.

A week later, Elena calls about a retreat she wants to check out for her bachelorette party. She invites me along, saying it’s just for one night. I think a break would do me good.

“Can I bring someone?” I ask.