CHAPTER 31 Kavita
Kavita
I’m in such a state of shock I don’t know what to do as I pace the hospital floor. Dad is angry with me, and Mom is still unconscious.
I think of Neel and the way he took care of the situation, how he handled everything with so much ease. But it breaks my heart to think it’s my fault my mother fainted, and my dad is so mad he isn’t talking to me.
Mom’s eyes finally open, and she stares at the luxurious room decorated with flowers. “Where am I?”
“You’re in the hospital,” I say, relieved that she’s finally awake.
Mom is still adjusting her eyes to the room. “But this looks like a hotel room,” she says, confused.
I hold her hand. “Neel booked you into this five-star luxury room. I told him not to.”
As Mom slowly raises herself up, I adjust the bed.
She looks around, bewildered. “How can we afford this?” Her eyes widen as she takes in the bowl of fruit on her bedside table, the view of the brilliant blue sky from the window, and the numerous bouquets around the room.
“Are we going to have to pay for all this?”
Just then, my father walks into the room. “Neel refused to let me settle the bill. He’s taken care of everything.” He approaches my mother. “How are you feeling, Shalu?”
My mother, still groggy from medication, grasps his hand with tears in her eyes.
“Oh, Moorthy! I thought...I thought I was dying. Promise me you’ll look after Kavita if anything happens to me.
Promise you’ll make sure she’s settled with a good husband.
I can’t bear the thought of leaving her alone. ”
“Shalu, calm down,” Dad says soothingly. “You’re not going to die. It was just a fall.”
“Then why am I in the hospital? What happened to me?”
“You had a mild concussion, but you’re okay now. The doctor says you’re recovering well. Let me call the nurse. She said to call her when you woke up.”
“Ma, Papa!” I say, making both of them look at me.
I know this isn’t the time to say this, but I need to get this off my chest. “I don’t want you to look for any more potential husbands for me.
I’m old enough to make my own decisions.
And I know you’ve said love can also come after the wedding. But I don’t want that to be my life.”
Mom looks at Dad, then turns to me, her eyes softening.
“Is this about Neel?” she asks gently. She glances around the luxurious room, taking in all the thoughtful details.
“He’s been so incredibly kind to us, especially with everything he’s done for me.
I’m truly touched by his generosity and care.
” She pauses, choosing her words carefully.
“But Kavita, my dear, I just want to make sure you’ve thought this through.
Are you certain this is the path you want for your future? ”
“I would like that more than anything else,” I say unabashedly and turn to Dad. “You both loved each other dearly and were willing to risk it all, despite all the opposition from Mom’s family. You wouldn’t have given up on her even if you’d been forced to.”
Dad shakes his head. “I loved her a lot, and I still do. I couldn’t think of anyone else I could share my life with.”
Mom nods. “I love your father very much, too.”
“That’s what I feel about Neel. I love him. And I don’t care if we’re married or not. I’d rather remain unmarried all my life than spend my life with someone who won’t even understand me.”
Just as I say the words, Neel enters the room, followed by the nurse, who checks Mom and confirms that she is fine.
Once the nurse leaves, Neel faces Mom and Dad. “I’m sorry my coming to your house caused you to faint, Mrs. Moorthy. But it doesn’t change what I feel about Kavita.”
“What if we don’t approve?” Dad asks.
He pauses. “Then I promise to wait until you do,” he says simply.
My parents exchange glances, clearly taken aback by his words.
Neel turns to Mom, smiling warmly. “Now, if you’re feeling up to it, the doctor says you can go home. I’ve arranged for a car to take you back.”
Mom looks at Neel, gratitude shining in her eyes. “That’s...that’s very thoughtful of you, Neel. We can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done.”
“I just have one more thing to say,” Neel says to my parents. “I hope it would be okay for our families to get to know each other. I’d like to invite all of you to my sister Elena’s wedding next month. It would mean a lot to have you there.”
My eyes are glimmering as I take in everything about Neel Menon.
I think I’m falling in love with him all over again.