Page 48 of Knot So Romantic

“Someone?” She clears her throat, giggling. “I can’t wait to see who you’ll bring.”

After hanging up, I dial Kavita’s number.

“Like a date?” Kavita asks, sounding excited when I invite her along.

It’s been a while since we’ve hung out. I’m excited, too. “An overnight trip this weekend?”

“I’d love to,” she says right away.

I can’t suppress my smile after I hang up.

Whatever is unfolding between us, it feels beautiful.

CHAPTER 20

Kavita

I’m surprised by Neel’s invitation and even more surprised that I said yes. It’s unexpected, but I’m excited about the chance to spend time with him away from our busy lives.

Nysara is a beautiful place in the hills. The air is crisp, reminding me of Ooty, though quieter and more secluded. The resort we’re here to check out is picturesque, nestled among rolling green hills with a low cloud cover.

I ride with Kiara and Arjun, arriving at a beautiful whitewashed building with brown pillars that oozes old-world charm. As I step out of the car and stretch, I breathe in the cool air, instantly falling in love with the place.

Kiara looks around and whistles. “I love it! It’s even better than the pictures.”

Arjun parks and joins us, pulling Kiara into a kiss. “So romantic,” he says.

“Stop it!” she laughs.

“What? You’re my wife now,” he chuckles.

While they’re teasing each other, I wander off to explore. There’s a small farm area with goats and pigs. One of the farm hands lets me pet a baby goat, and I’m holding it when Neel arrives.

He smiles as he approaches. “I see you’re already making friends. Is that a goat?”

“Sir, do you want to hold one too?” the farm hand asks, picking up another baby goat and handing it to Neel before he can refuse.

I laugh as I watch Neel struggle to hold the squirming goat. It’s clearly more mischievous than the calm one in my arms.

“I want the one you’re holding,” Neel says, eyeing my docile goat enviously.

I hand him my goat, and his face lights up as it snuggles against his chest.

We spend a few more minutes enjoying the gentle baby goat before reluctantly handing it back to the farm hand. As we walk away from the small farm area, I notice Elena and Dilip waving at us from near the main building.

“Looks like they want us to join them,” I say to Neel.

He nods, still smiling from our goat encounter. “Let’s go see what they’ve found.”

We make our way over to Elena and Dilip.

“When Neel said he wanted to invite someone along, I didn’t expect it to be you, Kavita!” Elena says. “But I’m really glad it is.”

Neel shakes his head, looking a bit embarrassed.

Elena turns to him. “I think my big brother is finally loosening up. He looks happier already,” she teases.

Neel tugs her ponytail, making her yelp, “No fair! You teased me so much when I told you I liked Dilip!”