Page 60 of Knot So Romantic

My eyes widen. “So we’ll have more than enough funds?”

Elena squeezes my arm. “Your designs were a hit, Kavita. People love what we’re trying to do here.”

I feel tears prick at my eyes, overwhelmed by the news. “I can’t believe it.”

Neel’s mother smiles warmly while Neel simply puts his arm around my shoulders, giving me a gentle squeeze. His proud smile says more than words ever could.

Once his mother leaves, Neel pulls me into a quiet spot behind one of the stalls, gently pressing me against the wall and shielding me with his body.

“What are we doing?” I laugh. “There are people all around!”

“They can’t see you like I can.” He slowly raises his hand to cup my cheek, grazing his fingers gently over my skin.

I lean into his touch, my eyes fluttering closed for a brief moment. When I open them again, his eyes are filled with a yearning that matches my own.

“I don’t want this moment to end,” he whispers, his lips tantalizingly close to mine.

“Neither do I,” I breathe. “I’ve waited for this a long time.”

“I can’t wait to show you how much you mean to me.”

“Meet me at my place after this?”

He nods and plants a deep, scorching kiss on my lips.

I smile at the way he’s looking at me as we pull apart. I could definitely get used to this kind of attention.

At that moment, I realize he’s everything I’ve ever wanted and more.

My phone rings. It’s Mom. “I have to go now.”

He makes a sad face.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be back soon,” I say, giving him a kiss on his lips, eliciting a not-enough groan from him.

I laugh.

“Okay, I’ll wait.” He nods, his captivating eyes locking with mine. As his lips lift into a broad smile, my heart flutters like a thousand butterflies.

As I get Grandma back into her car and wave goodbye to all the gorgeous models who made the fashion show an enormous success, I can’t stop smiling. The excitement of the day, the success of the show, and the promise of a future with Neel all swirl together in my mind, filling me with joy.

I just can’t help thinking, I wonder what it would feel like if I didn’t have to hide Neel like he’s a secret anymore.

I want to meet him, date him, and invite him to my parents’ house for the meals my mom is so great at. I want to laugh and talk with him at our dinner table as a family. I want to include Neel in our family conversations. I want to talk about him as much as I want, and I finally want to tell my parents that I love him.

CHAPTER 26

Neel

Kavita’s summery yellow sari gently sways against my arm.

“Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be back soon,” she says with a discreet squeeze of my hand and disappears into the crowd.

An older couple and a young man are talking at a nearby stall. Just as I turn away, I overhear a conversation that catches my attention.

“Kavita is perfect for you. She’s got beauty and brains. Did you know she runs her own business?” the older woman is saying to the young man standing next to her, presumably her son.

“Her mother is very keen on this marriage. Her father was just telling me how much he’d love you to meet her.”