“You’re so lucky to have Rico as your partner,” Song repeated, hanging from Rico’s arm and slurring just a little bit.

Ashna refused to look at Rico.

“And he’s lucky to have Ashna as his partner.” Trisha stepped closer to Ashna and gave Song her famous I can maim you with a scalpel look

Which Rico caught. He held out a hand to Trisha. “Rico Silva, sorry I wasn’t quite myself the last time we met. Thanks so much for taking care of my knee.”

Trisha shook his hand with both of hers, suddenly all warmth. “I’m so glad you’re all right. Thanks so much for saving Ashi’s toes. Not many people would do that for a perfect stranger.”

Rico turned to Ashna and waited. For what? Did he really expect her to tell Trisha about them? Now?

What would she say? He’s the boy I was in love with, the reason I caused Baba to die?

When she stood there frozen, a bitter grin curved his lips, as though her inability to claim him as hers was one of their inside jokes.

“It was a reflex.” His flat voice hid every whit of hurt banked in his eyes. “But I’m glad your cousin’s foot is in one piece.”

That made Trisha so happy she gave him a hug, which he returned wholeheartedly.

It was strange to see Trisha be all effusive. As for Rico, obviously he had changed his stance on physical contact and turned into this touchy-feely charmer. Foolishly, she ached for the days when they had been the same, perfectly mirrored.

They might not be kindred spirits anymore, but she knew without a doubt that his mind was stuck on the fact that she had let Trisha call him a perfect stranger.

Why is that such an issue for you?

He caught her jaw tightening and looked away.

“What an honor to meet Zia Malik today,” DJ said excitedly and they started to talk about football again.

Ashna swallowed her groan. She couldn’t bear another gushing rendition of that miraculous goal in the ninetieth. Spectacular as it had been (thank you, YouTube).

Ashna watched Rico watch Song rattle off some stats and misery engulfed her. “You all carry on. I have to get home.” She made her way to the door.

“Ashna.” Dear lord, please, why did he have to follow her?

She didn’t stop but he caught her in the passageway. For a few moments they just stood there, circling the mess of unsaid things between them.

“Your cousins are lovely.”

“Yes, they are.”

There was something determined in his face, like the all-consuming focus before he went in for a penalty kick. “You’re surrounded by love, Ashna.”

“I know.”

“Then why are you so miserable?”

Excuse her? “I am not miserable.” She turned away and started walking again.

He followed her. “Being here makes you miserable. So why are you here?”