Priya’s eyes met his in a silent apology, and he looked away. Turning on his heel, he headed for the door where Puppa and Ravi were taking off their shoes. The three men jostled for space in an awkward dance of elbows and apologies. Finally, Manoj put on his shoes, tipped his head in a mock bow, and strode out.
A smug smile spread across Puppa’s face. “I think I’ll join your mother and Dinesh.” He sent Priya a quick glance in Ravi’s direction, a silent cue to get rid of him too.
“Please give my regards to your family,” he added to Ravi.
Ravi chuckled as Puppa disappeared onto the balcony. “I’ve had a lot of introductions in my time. Parents, siblings, even a family astrologer once, but never to an electrical panel. That was a first.”
Priya smiled. “Yeah, my dad’s obsessed with it.”
A small pause settled between them, the silence stretching out a little too long.
Priya cleared her throat. “I’m sorry for not getting back to you. It’s been a bit crazy around here.”
“I bet.” Ravi let out a short laugh. “You were hostingEthan Knightof all people, and then the media practically set up camp at your door. Remember when computer camp was the most exciting thing happening around here? Now look at you—front-page gossip, rubbing shoulders with the paparazzi.”
“Not by choice, believe me.”
“I didn’t think so,” Ravi said. “Although you’ve come a long way from the Priya I used to know. I was surprised to hear aboutyour divorce, but not exactly heartbroken over it.” His lips quirked into a small smile. “I’ve always liked you, Priya.” He let the words hang in the air for a moment before continuing, his tone more casual. “Anyway, I’m in town for a few days and thought maybe we could grab dinner?”
Priya smiled, shaking her head. “Do you really think your mother would approve of you wining and dining a divorced woman from a lower caste?”
“If I stuck to my mom’s approved list, my dating pool would be about this big.” He pinched his fingers together.
Priya laughed. “Oh, I’m pretty sure Shrutiji has a whole spreadsheet of approved partners lined up for you. You’re her golden boy, Ravi. We both know she has plans for you. And they don’t involve someone like me.”
“I think you’re giving my mom way too much power.”
“Am I?” Priya arched an eyebrow. “You and I grew up the same way, Ravi. First-gen kids whose parents uprooted their whole lives so we could have a better one here. But let’s be real. We’re not as free as we want to believe. We may not care about things like caste or race or religion, but they still do. They may not say it out loud because they know better than to bethatobvious. Dating is one thing, but actually committing to someone? Bringing them home to meet the family? That’s where it all starts to unravel.”
“Isn’t that where we come in though?” Ravi said. “To push through all that?”
Priya gave him a small smile. “You’re right. And maybe you’re ready to take on that fight, but I’m not. I feel like all I’ve done lately is try to prove myself—to my family, to the media, to people who don’t even know me. I’ve been through enough to know exactly what Idon’twant.” Her voice softened as she continued. “My life isn’t perfect, but it’s mine, and right now, the only fight I haveleft in me is for myself. I’m sorry, Ravi. I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
Ravi hesitated, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face. Then he nodded, keeping his tone calm. “I hope you do too.”
Priya offered him a grateful smile before gently closing the door behind him. She stayed there for a moment, one hand on the doorknob.That’s two down.
Turning around, she watched Dinesh with her parents on the balcony.One more to go.
Before she could gather herself, the balcony door slid open and her mother popped her head inside.
“Has Ravi left?” she asked, her voice laced with an almost too-sweet curiosity.
“Yes, he has,” Priya said, nodding.
“Rakesh!” Mumma called. “I could use your help in the kitchen.”
The second Puppa reentered the apartment, Mumma nudged Priya onto the balcony. “You keep Dinesh company,” she said.
Priya rolled her eyes before stepping out. Her mother slid the balcony door shut behind her and disappeared into the kitchen.
“Quite the view, huh?” Dinesh said, trying to break the ice.
“Mm-hmm.” Priya sat on the folding chair beside him. “One of a kind.”
They stared at the back lot of Moksha—two industrial dumpsters, a worn-out parking lot, and a fence that had seen better days. The spindly trees lining the perimeter did little to improve the scenery.
After a beat, Dinesh turned to her. “You’re very pretty, Priya,” he said. “I was hoping to see you at your uncle’s, the first time our families met.”
