The second game drive through Tarangire National Park was similar to the first. Breathtaking views that Jana couldn’t believe were real. Elephants…everywhere. According to Anil, who was the only one still counting them, they’d seen more than two hundred elephants now. They also saw lions, zebras, hippos, giraffes, wildebeests, and water buffaloes. It was their last game drive in Tanzania, and it was a memorable one. Imani still seemed fine. Nicole was keeping a close eye on her, but the child was energetic and ate her box lunch with no complaint.
Jana was in a Land Cruiser with Anil and Imani again, since that was what Imani wanted. Thankfully, Mom was in another vehicle this time, which was good, because Jana had no idea what to say to her mother after her judgmental comments this morning.
But maybe she should have separated herself from Anil, too, because he barely spoke directly to her. In fact, he barely looked at her. And his smile—the charming Anil smile—was back. Not the private…reallook that he’d been giving her for the last few days. Anil was pulling away from her.
Maybe he was just better at self-preservation than she was, because whenever Jana’s mind wandered, it settled on their weirdlydomesticnight together in his tent. Seeing him tenderly caring for their sick daughter. Each of them having a hand on her as she fell asleep. Then Jana falling asleep with the warm weight of Anil’s hand on her hip. And of course, the morning, when they watched the breathtaking sunrise together. Andalmost kissed. Also, she thought of his naked chest, which had no business making her feel the way it had.
She was so confused and unsettled after it all. Was he feeling the same way? Did he have regrets?
At lunch, Dr. Lopez and Farzana Aunty joined the table with the wedding party. “I heard your little girl wasn’t feeling well last night.” Imani was sitting at another table with Shelina’s sons and their nanny.
“She had a bit of an upset stomach, but she’s fine now, thankfully,” Jana said.
Dr. Lopez looked over to Imani. “Glad to hear that. It’s always hard when kids get sick. She must have been happy you were with her.”
Jana wondered if Mom was telling everyone how sick Imani was and how admirable Anil and Jana were for caring for the child all night together.
Anil nodded. “Plus, her Nicole Aunty was around, too.”
“You know, it just occurred to me,” Farzana Aunty said. “Would you two be interested in being interviewed by one of my grad students? They are compiling a series of surveys and case studies on family outcomes after divorce and are always looking for study participants.”
Jana’s eyes widened. Of course, she couldn’t be interviewed by a researcher about her aspirational divorce—namely, because the divorce never happened. But…she cringed. She had to say yes, didn’t she? She wanted Dr. Lopez to like her—tohireher. She couldn’t refuse to help his wife—ex-wife—could she? “I…uh…”
“My dear, she’s on holiday,” Dr. Lopez said. “Let’s keep work behind us…Perhaps you can speak to them after we’re back home.”
Jana gave him a thankful smile.
“I’m not sure our story would be that interesting, anyway,” Anil said, not even looking at Jana. “Co-parenting hasn’t always been smooth.”
“Nonsense,” Kamila said. “These two could write a book on conscious uncoupling.”
“You should make videos!” Kassim Uncle, who was sitting at a nearby table with Mom, said. “On TikTok!”
“Dad,” Shelina said. “Stop trying to get everyone on TikTok.”
“They could put their wedding videos up and talk about their life now,” Mom said. “I saw some other content like that—”
“Mother,” Jana said, interrupting her and trying not to sound as irritated as she felt.What wedding videos?The last thing Jana needed now was Mom and Kassim Uncle fueling the fire.
“My organization has an active TikTok account,” Dr. Lopez said. “We keep it professional, of course, but it’s quite an effective way of connecting with younger donors. Speak their language, you know?”
Thankfully, that pushed the conversation away from Jana’s supposed marriage and divorce and toward how social media can increase engagement in fields that aren’t traditionally customer facing. Jana didn’t have a lot to say about the topic, but at least they weren’t talking about her.
That evening, Jana didn’t justsuspectAnil was avoiding her—she was sure he was. He sat at the clear other end of the table at dinner instead of sitting with Imani and Jana. And he didn’t join the others for a drink afterward, saying he wanted to get Imani to bed early since she’d been ill the night before. Imani seemed fine and wanted to stay up, but Anil was firm. Jana told him to text her if there were any issues, and he said he would, but he also curtly told her that he was more than capable of taking care of their daughter alone.
Clearly, Anil had given up on his determination that they be friends. Had he decided Jana was just too hard a nut to crack? This wasgood—Jana had been scared they were getting too close. Too attached. This distance was what they needed.
But a part of her wanted to chase after him. To grab him and make him explain why he was giving her this cold shoulder. She wanted to challenge him like he challenged her. How could he sleep with his arm around her, then ignore her today?
Jana didn’t chase him, though. She just sat in the lounge, swirling her mango punch in her glass, half-heartedly chatting with the Bridal Brigade about Asha and Nicole’s upcoming kitchen renovation. This was why getting close to him had been a mistake. Jana was miserable.
Kamila got a phone call. Whoever it was made her smile widely. “Fabulous,” Kamila said once she disconnected the call. “That was Elsie. There was a cancellation. The bridal party appreciation night is happening.” She looked at Rohan. “She got six rooms.”
Rohan smiled. “Which hotel?”
“Hatari Lodge.”
“What are you talking about?” Shelina asked.
