“Oh. Thanks, Sangeeta.”

Sangeeta picked up a small wrapped package from her desk and held it out. “And I got you this,” she said quietly. “I was reviewing your employment contract for signature and saw your birth date. I know you haven’t celebrated it in a while, and a croissant isn’t much compared to a cake but . . .”

“No, it’s okay. You don’t have to—”

“Happy thirtieth birthday.”

“Oh. Uh . . . thanks.” Mina took the pastry, feeling queasy at the idea of eating anything at the moment. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to. You have your whole life ahead of you, Mina. Don’t waste it . . . here with some of these people.”

With a sigh, Mina dropped the pastry and card into her bag. “I don’t know where else I’d rather be. I feel closest to Mama here. Thanks again, Sangeeta.”

About the Author

NISHA SHARMA is the award-winning author of the YA rom-com My So-Called Bollywood Life, and the contemporary romance drama the Singh Family Trilogy. She grew up immersed in Bollywood movies, eighties pop culture, and romance novels, so it comes as no surprise that her work features all three. Her writing has been praised by Entertainment Weekly, NPR, Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, Buzzfeed, Hypable, and more. She lives in New Jersey with her Alaskan-born husband; her cat, Lizzie Bennett; and her dog, Nancey Drew.

Discover great authors, exclusive offers, and more at hc.com.

By Nisha Sharma

The Singh Family Trilogy

• The Takeover Effect
• The Legal Affair

Young Adult Fiction

• The So-Called Bollywood Life

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