CHAPTER 25 Kavita
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.”
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.