Page 58 of Knot So Romantic

I want these women to feel special. I want us all to have a great show.

Rimli Aunty pouts in front of the mirror. “How long do I have to sit like this before I can eat something?”

I giggle. “You can eat if you like, and we’ll just touch up the lipstick again.”

“I can’t walk on a full stomach,” Kajal Aunty complains. “I’m going to wait until our part is done.”

I’m just about to check on the food when a woman wheels in on a wheelchair. She looks familiar, but I’ve never seen her before. She stops at the door, shocked to see the crowd in the tent.

Everybody is in various stages of dress-up. Some are adjusting their saris, others are putting on lipstick, and so on.

The older woman looks flustered. “Isn’t this where the bathroom is?”

I extend my hand to help her. “I could take you if you’d like to use the bathroom, ma’am.”

“I’ll find my way.” She shakes her head and looks at the women in the room. “Putting on a show today?”

“Yes,” I reply. “We’re doing the fashion show at the event.”

“And I assume you are in charge.” She looks at me as she quirks her lip in awe. “Well done!”

“She knows the host of the event,” Rimli Aunty says from the back.

The woman’s eyebrows quirk up. “Oh, you do?”

“He’s a lovely man,” Kajal Aunty pipes up.

“He’s a little older than Kavita,” says Rimli Aunty.

“He doesn’t look all that older. But, he’s sweet,” Grandma argues.

“Ladies, please stop!” I raise my hand before this situation gets out of hand. I’m so embarrassed right now I don’t even know what to say.

But the woman in the wheelchair simply says, “That’s right. I’ve seen him. He looks sweet.”

They start again, talking over each other.

“Oh yes, he is!” one of them says.

“I mean, did you see him and Kavita holding hands earlier?” The other presses her hand to her chest. “And I just went, awww!”

I let out a long sigh. “Ladies, please. Let’s just allow our guest to find the restroom.” Then, I apologize profusely because I don’t know what else to do.

The woman laughs. “Don’t worry. I can find my way to the restroom.”

After she wheels out, I scold them for talking too much, to which they only smile because they know they’re big bullies and aren’t scared to talk like this to someone like me.

Elena and the other brides-to-be look glamorous in their modern gowns and dresses. Grandma is wearing a vintage-inspired sari dress, while Kajal Aunty and Rimli Aunty are dressed in outfits reminiscent of different Bollywood eras.

Kiara looks splendid in a rich burgundy chiffon sari, and Khushi is wearing a beautiful traditional-inspired outfit.

Before long, we’re ushered onto the stage. The women have rehearsed it a few times, but I can see they’re nervous. This is their first-ever stage performance, and their jitters are valid.

As they go up, one of them grabs my hand and whispers, “I’m really nervous. Can you help me get up there?”

I hold her hand and I’m talking to her as we get up on the stage, and then something makes me pick up the mic and say a few words.

I don’t have a speech prepared because I never thought I’d do this, but the moment I pick up the mic, I see a few of the women smile, relieved. This is going to give them the boost they need.