Knot So Matched Preview #3
Dad emerges from his reading room and joins us at the dinner table.
Mom raves about the Shah Rukh Khan movie, urging us to watch it.
As she serves dinner, she pays special attention to Kavita’s plate.
“Eat, eat,” she insists, “you’re eating for two now!
” She ladles her special vegetable curry onto my plate, too.
“I made it just how you like it, extra garlic.”
On the last day before Kiara and Kavita leave, we’re cooped up in my bedroom, chatting. I’m going to be alone again, and the thought is already making me gloomy.
Kiara laughs at something Kavita said, then she turns to me. “So, what are your plans for the future?”
Kavita spoons the chia pudding dessert Mom made into her mouth as she eyes me expectantly.
“I have no idea,” I say.
“What do you mean?” Kiara asks. “Aren’t you coming back to Bangalore?”
“Where will I live? And work?” I remember how bad it felt to give it all up. “I loved that apartment.” Fresh tears rim my eyes. “God, I feel like such a fool!”
“You’re not a fool.” Kavita pulls me into a hug. “Happens to the best of us.”
I remember the day Veer and I met for the first time.
We had gone to a coffee shop—just the two of us without the families—because he didn’t want to meet where all eyes were on us.
I’d only seen a photo of him until then, so I was pleasantly surprised to see how handsome he was in person.
Short, trimmed beard, full lips. The hairs on my arm rose when he brushed lightly against me as he pulled out my chair. He was so chivalrous.
As we sipped coffee, he spoke about London and showed me a picture of his house. He told me he was busy at work and had no time for social meetups. He said he hoped marriage would change all that.
I remember smiling coyly.
What I don’t remember him telling me is that he was being forced into marriage.
I cringe, my fingers squeezing the bridge of my nose as I feel a headache coming on.
Kiara leans toward me. “I have something to tell you.” She bites her lip, looking unusually hesitant. “I know the timing is probably awful...”
“What is it?”
“I have a destination wedding coming up. I need someone to handle the guests. Would you be interested?”
“Me?” I say, startled. “Kiara, you don’t have to offer me a job just because—”
“Let me finish,” she interrupts gently. “I really need someone I trust. My assistant’s on maternity leave, and it’s a very private wedding...”
“Actually,” Kavita says thoughtfully, “knowing Kiara’s obsession with perfect execution, she’d never offer you the job if she didn’t think you could do it.”
“Exactly!” Kiara leans forward eagerly. “You’re perfect for this. Remember how you managed all those events at the retirement center? The way you handled all those seniors?”
The memory of my seniors brings a slight smile to my face, but Kavita sets down her bowl, looking worried.
“I just wonder...” she says softly, “going from your canceled wedding to another wedding celebration... won’t that be too much?”
A thousand thoughts race through my head. The idea of staying here, facing everyone’s pitying looks, fielding endless questions...
“I know,” Kiara admits. “I’d totally understand if you said no. But it’s just for eight days, and honestly? I really need someone I can count on.”
“Remember how you handled that crisis at the retirement center?” Kavita says. “When both Mrs. D’souza and Mrs. Noorani claimed the ceramic vase from pottery class was theirs? You sorted it out so beautifully that they ended up becoming best friends.”
“She’s right,” Kiara adds. “You have a gift with people. And,” she grins, “a week away from the aunties’ ‘helpful’ diet tips wouldn’t hurt.”
We all laugh at that. This is what I love about my best friends - how they can make me smile even when I feel lost.
“When would this be?” I ask.
“Next week. I’ll only be there for the ceremony itself, managing everything else remotely with local vendors. You’ll be the on-site coordinator.”
“Ooh, fancy!” Kavita wiggles her eyebrows. “Should we get you business cards?”
“Stop it,” I laugh, feeling more like myself. “You really think I can handle this alone?”
“You’ll have support from our local partners. And I’m just a phone call away.” She pauses. “So?”
I look at my two best friends - Kavita, with her pregnancy glow and unwavering support, and Kiara, with her practical solutions and fierce loyalty. Maybe a few days away is exactly what I need.
“Where is this wedding anyway?”
“It’s an African safari wedding!” Kiara beams. “At Masai Mara.”
“Really?” Kavita sits up straight. “Like, actual lions and stuff?”
“Better lions than nosy relatives,” I say, surprising myself with the lightness in my voice. “You know what? This might be perfect timing. By the time I get back, maybe everyone will have found something else to gossip about.”
“And you’ll have amazing stories to tell,” Kavita adds.
“Plus,” Kiara says carefully, “a week of breathing space to figure out your next steps.”
I nod, feeling suddenly grateful for these friends who understand without me having to explain.
They both look so excited, so certain this is exactly what I need.
I hope they’re right.
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