CHAPTER 3 Kavita
Kavita
A week later, Manjula, my assistant, lets Elena in.
Neel’s sister is pretty and has a remarkable resemblance to Neel, except for the straight hair and bangs that fall into her eyes. She’s dressed in a casual T-shirt and shorts. Her face lights up the moment she sees me.
From the initial gush of excitement, as Elena embraces me in a tight hug to her looking around the place, her eyes widening with awe, she’s a ball of laughter and boundless energy.
“I’ve been following your socials, and I’ve been wanting to meet you.
I’m so excited I got a chance to do that today! ” Elena gushes.
“I’m happy to help you find what you’re looking for!” I say, sharing in her excitement. “Kiara told me you’re looking for a wedding dress.”
Her eyes shine. “Yes, and I can’t wait to find the perfect lehenga for my wedding.”
“Let’s get started!”
Elena looks around the boutique, marveling at the pieces in the collection. She is a designer’s dream-come-true. I smile to see her childlike enthusiasm. Finally, she moves toward a dusty-rose-colored brocade fabric that I had purchased recently.
Elena stops and gasps when she sees that piece. “I love this.”
“It was the only piece in the shop. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it, too.”
She turns around with a smile. “I think my brother will love it as well.”
Her brother.
I wasn’t sure if Neel would accompany his sister Elena today, but it turns out I was not at all prepared for the possibility of meeting him.
My bedroom looks like a disaster area. In my attempt to find the perfect outfit for today, I pulled out nearly every piece of clothing I owned.
Finally, I chose a dark-blue jumpsuit with a heart-shaped neckline and paired it with a bold statement necklace.
I slipped on my espadrilles and styled my hair into a loose bun at the nape of my neck.
I added a little makeup and a light lipstick, too.
As I examined my reflection, I realized how much effort I’d put into my appearance. The weird thing is, I actually care how I look today. Like, since when do I spend this much time on my outfit? This is so not like me!
But now that he’s a no-show, all that time I spent fussing over my clothes feels pointless. Deep down, though, I guess I was holding onto a sliver of hope that he’d accompany his sister today.
“You always look gorgeous, Kavita,” Kiara would say if she saw the fuss I made today. But I’ve never thought it was true. Of the three of us, Kiara always looks stunning, followed closely by Khushi. I don’t think I even come close.
I lead Elena to a cozy seating area where we can discuss her preferences. “Let’s start by talking about the style and theme of your wedding. Do you have any specific ideas in mind?”
As Elena describes her vision for a wedding that blends tradition with modern elements, I listen attentively and take notes to tailor her options. With the current bridal trends in mind, I pull together a selection of lehengas I think she’ll love.
“Based on what you’ve shared, I think you’ll love these designs,” I say, presenting her with a variety of lehengas adorned with intricate embroidery, delicate beadwork, and luxurious fabrics.
“Each piece is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail. They look stunning and will make you feel like a radiant bride on your special day.”
Elena’s eyes sparkle with excitement as she admires the exquisite craftsmanship of each ensemble. “They’re all so beautiful, Kavita! I don’t know how I’ll choose.”
I chuckle softly, understanding her dilemma. “Choosing the perfect wedding lehenga is a big decision, but trust me, you’ll know when you find the one that speaks to your heart.”
We go through a few more pieces I have in mind as Elena continues to consider her options. We discuss fabric choices, styles, and the theme of Elena’s wedding.
“Oh, would you look at this?” Elena laughs, pointing to a Regency-style muslin dress with an empire waistline and a high neckline.
“This is an inspired design created for one of my clients who’s a Regency fan.”
“What a brilliant idea!” Elena gasps.
Just as Elena and I are laughing over it, the front door bursts open.
My breath catches at the sight of Neel by the door. He doesn’t just look handsome; there’s a boyish charm about him, especially with his hair slightly longer than the last time we met. Our gazes lock for a beat before he takes a stride forward, his expression unreadable.
It’s the moment I realize he’s still looking at me and hasn’t noticed the low-hung bell by the door. For someone shorter, it might be high enough, but Neel’s head is about to collide with it. Reacting swiftly, I jump from my seat and lunge toward him, waving in panic.
He freezes as I fling myself at him, steering him away just before he reaches the bell.
My breath hitches as our chests collide.
He loses his balance, teetering backward with me in his arms, and sends a mannequin toppling over, setting off a domino effect as rows of others come crashing down in a cacophony of plastic limbs and fabric.
“Whoa,” he exclaims, his arms instinctively wrapping around me. I feel his breath against my ear as he tries to steady us both, breaking our fall.
“Was that you happy to see me?” he asks, one hand going to his stomach. I think I may have punched him accidentally.
“I...um...the bell,” I stammer, gesturing awkwardly above us.
My face feels like it’s on fire. Then I look at his shirt, horrified to see a lipstick stain.
Oh god, I’ve got my lipstick on him. I try to rub it off surreptitiously but end up smearing it all over until he grabs hold of my hand, stopping it against his chest.
“What are you doing?” And then his mouth goes “Oh!” as he realizes I’ve ruined his shirt.
I quickly bend down to pick up the fallen mannequins, mumbling, “Probably not as dramatic as you saving me from drowning, but I think I saved your head.”
“What’s that?” he crouches next to me. We both go to pick up the same mannequin, and a small tug-of-war ensues until he lets it go. Not before I hear him murmur, “Nice,” as he eyes one of my dresses on the floor.
“I was trying to save your head,” I blurt out, then cringe at how it sounds.
“Hmm,” he grunts, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. “Interesting how we keep saving each other.”
I step back, flustered. “I promise I don’t usually greet clients this way.”
“Good to know,” he says dryly.
Just then, a giggle erupts behind us. My assistant’s seven-year-old peeks out, his hand covering his mouth as he attempts to stifle his laughter.
Rohit has just started going to preschool and accompanies Manjula to the boutique every day.
When I interviewed Manjula, I was concerned when she mentioned that her son would spend the second half of the day at work with her.
I worried that allowing a child into the boutique might not be a good idea.
However, Rohit has proven to be exceptionally well-behaved.
He’s found a little corner for himself by the window, where he plays with his toys and reads the picture books I bought him.
Manjula is thrilled to have her son here, and Rohit is overjoyed to accompany her to the boutique. I’ve never regretted the decision.
Except now, I don’t know what to make of the current situation as Neel looks puzzled, taken aback by the sight of a child in the boutique.
“This is my assistant’s son, Rohit,” I explain.
Rohit gestures to the floor. “If I had made that mess, my mom would never let me come in here.”
I tousle his hair, smiling. “You’re absolutely right, Rohit! You’re smart. That’s why you stick to safe places.”
Rohit puffs out his chest proudly and points to Neel. “I think he’s not very smart.”
I suppress a laugh while Neel crouches down to Rohit’s eye level and gives his shoulder a friendly pat. “I’m Neel. And you’re right, that’s why it’s important to listen to her,” he says, looking at me.
Elena comes over, takes one look at the lipstick stain on his shirt, and bursts out laughing. “Oh my God, is that what I think it is?”
He puts a hand over the stain as if trying to cover up my handiwork. “It’s not that bad. It’ll come out.”
“Well, thank God you both are okay!” She turns to me with a mischievous smile.
“I wouldn’t put anything past Neel. He might have hit the bell if you hadn’t intervened.
He’s always bumping into things,” she chuckles.
“Funny story. One time, he was out for a jog early in the morning, not paying attention to his surroundings, and he unexpectedly collided with a low-hanging tree branch, leaving him with a cut on his forehead.”
“It’s not funny, and it was a scratch, not a cut,” Neel frowns, brushing aside a lock of hair that falls over his forehead absently.
He’s standing so close, and my stomach flips as I watch the way his fingers slide through the silky salt-and-pepper strands. I swallow hard, trying to control my sudden erratic breathing.
“Sorry, Neel, but it was a little funny,” Elena laughs. “Especially the way you had Mom worried sick about it.”
“That’s because I didn’t know how bad it was until I saw it for myself.”
The playful banter between the siblings makes my cheeks grow slightly warm.
He doesn’t seem to be holding a grudge about his shirt, I think to myself, hoping I’m right while a tinge of guilt lingers.
My eyes can’t help but drift to where his hand still covers the lipstick smear, and I feel a naughty laugh rising within me.
Neel Menon is more than just handsome. His eyes, which have now changed color from hazel to brown with the lighting in the boutique, are shining with mischief as he ribs Elena about making a mountain out of a molehill.
Elena presses her lips together and turns to me. “Sorry, I forgot to introduce you two. My brother—”
“Neel.” I finish her sentence, extending my arm toward him.
“Kavita.” Neel nods, his handshake firm before his expression shifts.
He runs his hand through his hair as another lock falls over his forehead.
I wonder if his hand lingered longer on purpose during our handshake.
Or is my imagination running wild today?
I can’t help but wonder if there’s more to his reaction than meets the eye.
“You two know each other?” Elena asks, surprised.
“We’ve met…” Neel says, his gaze scorching.
“At Kiara’s wedding,” I finish, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach at the memory of our encounter.
“Oh, of course!” Elena exclaims. “You’re the one he couldn’t stop talking about after he came back from the wedding.”
My heart skips a beat at the thought. Really? I look up at Neel, shocked by the revelation.
A look of bewilderment flashes across Neel’s face. “That’s not what happened!”
“But you did seem quite distracted,” she snickers.
“I’m going to get you for this.” He makes a grab for her arm, but she twists out of his way. He lets her go and turns to me, apologetic. “She loves making fun of me.”
I stifle a laugh. “You seem like an easy target.”
His eyes shine, and for a moment, I think he might reach for my arm just as he did with his sister.
Instead, he clears his throat and lets my comment slide, as though he’s well-practiced in dealing with this sort of teasing.
“You women have a way of reading too much into a man’s thoughts,” he says gruffly.
He’s included me in the group of women who tease him? Heat rises to my cheeks, and I palm my hands over my face.
“But I’m going to let that go,” he adds, a hint of a challenge in his voice.
“Sure, if that’s what you prefer?” I say, meeting his gaze head-on.
A smile tugs at his lips. I find myself wanting to explore this playful side of him further. Just then, a throat clears behind us.
Elena smiles at us knowingly. “Now, if you two have finished your little verbal sparring match, what’s next on the agenda?”
I chuckle and shrug my shoulders, fiddling with the dress on the last mannequin that fell over because suddenly, my hands don’t know where to go.
I feel Neel’s stare, but I don’t meet his eyes.
“How about we take some measurements for your dress?” I ask Elena, eager to shift the focus back to the task at hand.
Just then, Rohit tugs at my sleeve. “Can I show Neel my new train set?”
I hadn’t realized the child was still around. I glance at Neel to gauge his reaction. Rohit rarely interacts with customers, so this request surprises me. However, I’d hate to disappoint Rohit if Neel declines.
Neel beats me to a response. “Yes, please. Lead the way,” he says, much to Rohit’s delight. He eagerly guides Neel to his special corner in the next room.
I retrieve the tape to take Elena’s measurements. After we’re done, Elena takes a seat, and Manjula gets her a cold drink. “Such a sweet gentleman,” she says of Neel, who’s still engrossed in playing with Rohit.
“Thank you! Neel loves kids,” Elena says. “So does Dilip, my fiancé,” she adds, smiling and blushing. “I wanted to bring him along for the selections, too, but I wanted to keep it a surprise until Neel saw it first.”
“Except I don’t know a thing about colors or designs,” Neel remarks, returning without Rohit, who I presume is now happily playing by himself.
“Neel claims he doesn’t know a thing about fashion,” Elena explains, “but he’s a wizard with numbers and the mastermind behind the best real estate deals in town.”
His eyes soften with a hint of amusement. “I can handle property deals, but wedding dresses? That’s a bit out of my league.”
“Well, if I ever need advice on real estate, I know who to ask,” I say. “But for now, what do you think of this?” I show him the fabric Elena loved, genuinely curious about his opinion.
Neel examines it, his fingers gently tracing the material. “It’s not my usual area of expertise, but I can see the quality. And the color is lovely indeed,” he says with a slight smile. “I think Elena would look beautiful in this.” He looks at Elena affectionately.
His genuine enthusiasm and love for his sister warm my heart. It’s clear he’s here for her, fashion expertise or not.
“Neel, what about your kurta?” Elena suddenly asks. “We can ask Kavita to take your measurements, too.”
My heart skips a beat at the suggestion.
The idea of moving around Neel with my tape measure, taking his measurements, while he stands still and watches me…
it’s almost too much to imagine. Just standing next to him now makes the air crackle with electricity.
It’s embarrassing how just the thought of being near him affects me.
I quickly shake my head, trying to dismiss those thoughts.
Neel declines. “I’ll think about it,” he says. “There’s plenty of time left.”
An involuntary sigh escapes me at his words, and I instinctively clasp a hand over my mouth, horrified by my reaction.
“You okay?” Neel asks, his brow furrowed with concern.
Am I okay?
Is he referring to the present moment or to how I’ve been feeling since the day we met?
The answer to both is a resounding no.