Page 67 of Knot So Romantic

Tears pool in my eyes, and I will them to go away.

“But it isn’t just the two of us,” I say. “My family will always be a part of my life decisions.” I walk toward the door. “But I hear what you’re saying. They’re too much for you. And I guess it’s better we figure that out now than later.”

I make it to the front door when Neel calls me back. “Kavita, wait.”

I turn around, and he strides toward me, his face a mix of anguish and longing. “I’m not saying I don’t want this. That I don’t want you.” He pulls me against his chest, and for a selfish moment, I let him. I savor the warmth of his embrace, the strength of his arms around me.

But I can’t help myself as I pull away. “Neel, I love you. I wanted to tell you this after the show. I was ready to declare you to my parents, to tell them I love you so much that I don’t care what happens or how long it takes for them to come around.” His expression shifts as I say the words, but he remains silent. Perhaps it’s for the best. “Every relationship has its challenges, but I know what I want. Having a man in my life who I love would mean everything to me. And yet, it would feel incomplete without my parents’ blessings.”

His throat works. “I just wish I were the perfect match for you.”

“I don’t want the perfect match, the young, eligible man with the looks, the job, the status, and everything else my parents want for me. I just want you, Neel.”

I lean up, close my eyes, and press my lips to his. He cradles my face in his hands, and in a way that only makes me hiccup as the tears fall faster, he kisses me back. Deeply.

I break away and wipe my tears as the kiss ends. “I know it’s a lot,” I say. “Asking you to meet my parents is a big deal. I won’t pressure you because I want it to be your choice.” I wipe more tears as they fall. “I love you, Neel. You deserve so much, more than you allow yourself to have.” As I say the words, I feel their truth deep in my heart.

Neel’s hands fall limp to his sides, pain evident in his eyes.

“It probably doesn’t matter to you, but my parents have arranged for a potential suitor to visit us at home on Sunday. They’ve been eager to fix this match for a long time. If you come to meet them before then, I’ll know you want to give us a real chance. If not...well, it’ll mean that you don’t really believe in this working out. But I need you to make this decision, Neel. For both of us.”

As the words leave my mouth, I realize all I want is for him to believe in us. I’m not asking for marriage, just a chance for my parents to know the man I love. That’s all I need right now.

His eyes meet mine, filled with turmoil.

I lean up and kiss him on the cheek. “Goodbye, Neel.”

As I walk out of Neel’s home, my chest tight, I can only hope this isn’t our last goodbye.

CHAPTER 29

Neel

“I don’t understand why, when she told you she loved you, you let her walk away,” Arjun says, leaning forward. “Tell me I’m hearing this wrong.”

I nurse the glass of whiskey in my hand, slouching on the bar stool at the pub where we’re hosting Dilip’s bachelor party. “It’s complicated.”

Dilip drops onto the barstool on the other side of Arjun. “Okay, what’s up with Kavita and you?”

“You’re in on this too?” I groan.

“This whole thing started because of his soon-to-be wife’s wedding dress. It demands his involvement in the matter,” Arjun says.

“I’d met Kavita before that,” I argue. “And I don’t want to drag him into this.”

“We’re already involved, whether you like it or not. You wouldn’t have met her if not for Elena’s dress, but—” Dilip pauses when I give him a look, then continues. “Look, I know it’s my night, and I should be enjoying myself, but I’d like to keep you guys company. I won’t interrupt.”

“I say you’re overcomplicating things,” Arjun says. “She told you she loves you. Just stop making it so hard and tell her you love her too.”

I roll my eyes. “It’s not that simple. She wants me to meet her parents. She’s ready to tell them about us, about how she feels.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?” Arjun asks, clearly confused by my demeanor.

I shake my head, frustration bubbling up. “Her parents have arranged for a suitor to visit her. She wants me to meet them before then to show I’m serious about us.”

“And you’re not sure if you want to?”

“That’s not it,” I say immediately.