Page 59 of Knot So Romantic

I start with the introductions and tell the crowd that this is our first fashion show. I give a little speech about how I’ve grown up around three of these women and how much I love them for being brave enough to stand up on the stage. I talk about the park, thanking the event sponsors for organizing this fundraiser to save our beloved green space. With a final word of encouragement to my models, I make my way off the stage.

The show gets off to a good start as the women step onto the main stage area, walking in from the sides. The music starts, and the women walk down the ramp as rehearsed. My parents are seated in the front row. My mom waves at me wildly, her smile reaching all the way to her ears.

We have a few minor mishaps—Rimli Aunty trips on her sari again. Grandma’s feather boa flies off the stage, and one of the younger brides almost falls off the stage as she takes to the side. But all is well because they get back in with the music and make each disaster look like it was part of the show. The crowd claps even louder at the bloopers.

Next, it’s time for our special guest.

As the women line up on the stage to receive her, she walks in. My jaw drops as I recognize her.

Padmini, a yesteryear actress known for her exceptional dancing skills in older Bollywood movies, walks up onto the stage holding one of her memorable saris from one of her acclaimed movies—a vibrant silk sari with intricate zari work.

The crowd erupts into cheers on seeing her. She slowly walks down the ramp, flanked by all the women around her, and gives a brief speech about how she has known Neel since he was a little boy and is here only because of him.

Neel comes over as everybody gets off the stage. He looks proud.

“You were wonderful,” he tells each one of them.

They glow in his praise and then change and pack to go have their well-deserved meal.

Neel puts an arm around my waist. “There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

I lick my lips nervously as he rounds the corner, and then my jaw drops as he stops in front of the woman in a wheelchair who we’d met earlier.

“Ma, this is Kavita,” Neel says, his voice filled with a mix of pride and nervousness. Then, turning to me with a soft smile, he adds, “Kavita, meet my mother.”

The world seems to freeze for a moment as I look between Neel and his mother.

CHAPTER 25

Kavita

Neel’s mother smiles warmly at me. “So you’re the talented designer my son’s been raving about. I could tell from Elena’s wedding dress that he wasn’t exaggerating. But I was beginning to think he was hiding you from me.”

Neel shifts uncomfortably. “Mom...”

His mother chuckles. “Oh, don’t worry, dear. I’m just teasing.” She turns back to me. “Your fashion show was absolutely delightful. I especially loved how dazzling those lovely ladies looked.”

I feel myself relax a bit. “Thank you, Mrs. Menon. That means a lot coming from you.”

“Please, call me Sitara,” Neel’s mother insists. “Now, I hope you two won’t feel any pressure from me. I’m just happy to finally meet you, Kavita.”

Neel smiles, his shoulders relaxing. “Thanks, Ma.”

Neel’s mother turns to me. “Perhaps we’ll meet again soon?”

I smile. “I’d love that, Sitara Aunty.”

She laughs. “Okay, ‘Aunty,’ it is if you must.”

Just then, Elena rushes over, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Kavita, you won’t believe it! The auction’s going crazy. People are bidding way more than we expected for the outfits!”

Neel grins, pulling out his phone. “I just got a text saying we’ve already surpassed our initial fundraising goal, and the auction’s not even over yet.”

I gasp, my hand flying to my mouth. “Are you serious? That’s...that’s amazing!”

Neel’s mother reaches out and pats my hand. “Well done, dear. You should be very proud.”

Neel nods in agreement. “Looks like our plan is working perfectly.”