“Can we start the movie?” Asha asked. “Jerome and Nicole’s conversation is heading toward pain management during childbirth and Brit’s turning a bit green.”
Kamila winced. “Say no more, Asha.” She walked to the center of the room. “I’m starting the movie in five minutes. Grab your snacks and find your seats.”
Kamila ran upstairs to change out of her boring dress first—she put on her sunflower sundress to match Rohan’s sunflowers, then headed down to corral everyone to their seats and refill their munchies and cider. She pulled out her ukulele in case anyone wanted a sing-along and poured herself a warm cider. Kamila was left with few options on where to sit and ended up squeezing in next to Dane, who, to Kamila’s delight, had Maricel on the other side of him. Asha, Nicole, Brit, Tim, and Jerome crowded on the bigger couch, and Rohan took the armchair.
Dane leaned close once the movie started. “I saved you that seat. Even with the subtitles, I was confused last week. I need you to translate for me.”
Kamila frowned. “I don’t speak Hindi. Asha does, but I’ll be reading the subtitles, too.”
“Shhh!” Tim hissed, annoyed. “No talking. I want to listen. I’m up to level ten on Duolingo Hindi.”
Kamila laughed, settling in to watch the movie. Tonight had gone spectacularly well. Better than she could have ever imagined. Now it was time to breathe and relax. She pulled out the decorative cushion digging into her back, curled her feet under her, and enjoyed the movie.
***
The room was dark, and all Kamila could hear was a low rumble—a deep voice speaking gently. A comforting, familiar voice but closer than she was used to hearing it.
“She was up cooking late last night,” the voice said. It was Rohan. Kamila was too tired to open her eyes, but she could tell her head was on his chest. How had that happened? He was warm and comfortable and she was so tired, so she decided to stay there.
“And she had client meetings this morning.” That was Dad, speaking softly. He must have just gotten back from the train station. “Sometimes I think she only stops moving when she sleeps. She’s a remarkable girl, that one.”
Kamila decided to let them think she was asleep a little longer—she wanted to hear what Rohan would say.
He chuckled, the low rumble reverberating through her. “There is no one like Kam.”
“She has always been like this,” Dad said. “Three hundred percent, go, go, go all day, then crash. I used to carry her up to bed almost every night when she was a girl.” He paused. “She looks so much like her mother. I sometimes wonder if that’s hard for her.” He sighed sadly. “She’s so beautiful, though.”
“She’s always been beautiful,” Rohan said. His voice was almost a whisper. “A complete handful, though.”
“Nonsense,” Dad said. “What would I do without Kamila?”
Both were silent for a while. Kamila knew she should really open her eyes. She was about to stretch her arms out, when Rohan spoke again. “I don’t like keeping things from her. I have reservations.”
“This will make her happy,” Dad said. “This is all forher, before anyone else.”
What?What were they talking about?
They were probably estate planning again. Or maybe Dad was agreeing to go part-time permanently even before the month was over. If so, why would they keep it from her?
“And for you,” Rohan said. “This will help your health problems. You need a break.” Oooh, maybe they were all going on a surprise trip. Kamila didn’t have time to speculate more, because Rohan was still talking. “How are you doing this week? Sleeping better?”
Dad’s voice was even quieter. “Some. It was good to see Shelina and the boys. They make me feel grounded.”
“More balance will be good for you.”
Dad snorted. “Balance. That’s what that shrink said to me. I needcoping strategies,self-care, andacceptance. But there is no balance. It’s not possible. It’s all or nothing, this life, isn’t it? Be careful, Rohan. Don’t become me.”
No one said anything. Finally, Rohan spoke. “You know, Kamila was the first person to ever fall asleep on me.”
Kamila smiled as she slowly opened her eyes, stretching and yawning and sitting upright next to Rohan. “Aw, everyone left? I missed the final song of the movie. When did you get home, Dad?”
“Not long ago. You were asleep. I took a taxi.”
“Did you have a good trip?”
“Yes.” He stood and kissed her forehead. “I had a wonderful time. Your sister sends her love. I’m very tired now. Good night, beti.”
After Dad left, Rohan started to get up from the couch. Before he could leave, Kamila put her hand on his chest. “I slept through everyone leaving?”
