“It’s truly okay, Mummy.” Naina’s words were flat. He’d never seen her this bloodless, this listless. “Maybe she can help fix your shoulder pain.”

“So, is your friend well?” Ma directed the question at Vansh.

“Hari had a severe panic attack. They had to sedate him. They’re keeping him overnight,” Naina answered, struggling to keep her voice flat even as her eyes searched Ma for acknowledgment.

Ma nodded without looking at her, and Naina looked like she might cry.

Vansh stepped close to her. He almost reached for her, knowing he’d do anything to make her not look like this, like she was worthless and despised and okay with it. He’d have done anything to bring the Naina he knew back. For one blindingly bright moment she almost leaned into him, but her mother made a squeaking sound. Ma looked at Vansh like she didn’t know who he was, and Naina stepped away from him.

A pulse started pounding in his head.

“Well, I’m glad Hari’s okay,” Ma said. “Panic attacks are fairly common. There seem to be a lot of those going around in our family recently. Dr. Warsi is the best. She’ll take care of him.”

Chandni Auntie laughed that uncomfortable laugh that people laughed when they were trying to avert oncoming disaster. She seemed to do this a lot. Every time she did, Naina seemed to get smaller.

Naina turned to Ma. “Thank you for stopping by. We . . . um . . . I really appreciate it.” Her voice wobbled and she cleared her throat.

Ma didn’t respond.

“Ma!” Vansh snapped.

His tone startled her and she threw a quick, formal smile at Naina. But a more distant smile Vansh had never seen her give anyone. Barely a second’s worth of eye contact. Not even a hint of the warmth she’d always shown Naina. Even after she had found out about Yash and Naina’s deception, she’d never held it against Naina. What was going on here?

“Well, Vansh seems to think stopping by wasn’t necessary.” Ma searched his face. “But since I am here, maybe I can give you a ride. I am headed home, and I’ve barely seen you in months.”

Naina had frozen up. She looked pale and stiff, brittle enough to crack with one tap.

“Naina and I are staying here until Hari wakes up,” Vansh said.