“It’s so lovely to see you, despite what can’t be the best of circumstances if my son has dragged you here on a Saturday for work.”

Ajay met Raj’s eyes and saw the understanding in them. He hadn’t told his parents about their brand-new relationship. He and Raj might be in their thirties, but he was an Indian man. His mother would make his life hell if she knew that they were dating. Hopefully Raj understood Ajay’s reasons for self-preservation with his family despite his eagerness to share the news with others.

The sound of the front door opening echoed down the hall. “Hello?” Hem called out.

“They must’ve been right behind us,” Ajay said. “We’re in the living room, guys!”

Hem and Mina walked in moments later.

“You know, I’m going to look forward to nailing this bastard. He keeps ruining my weekends,” Hem said.

“Puttar?” Ajay’s father gripped his wrist. “What is Hem talking about?”

“It’s a bit of a story, Papa,” Ajay said. “Raj, why don’t you— What? What is it?”

All her charm seemed to slip. He wondered what he’d done, then he realized that she wasn’t looking at him, but at someone over his shoulder.

His mother had entered the room, her hands clasped in front of her. “Hullo,” she said.

Mina was closest to her, so she reached out and gave her a quick hug. “Aunty, I smell something delicious.”

“Daal and rice,” his mother said and pinched Mina’s chin with affection. “More than enough for my future daughter-in-law. We’ll have some soon.”

Ajay could smell it now, too. The rich scent of spice wafted through the house, and his hunger warred with his focus on Raj and his concern for his father’s legacy.

He looked back at the woman who’d complicated his thoughts for the last month. For someone so easy with people, she remained quiet. She’d instantly charmed his father on two occasions now, but seemed to hide behind a wall with his mother. Ajay remembered that her own relationship with her mother was strained, especially since the woman was dying. He wondered if that was affecting her mood.

He looped an arm around his mother’s petite frame. “Rajneet Kaur Hothi. This is the first love of my life. Mumma, Raj is Mina’s best friend, as well as CEO and founder of RKH Collective, a company that Bharat is looking to purchase.”

“Ah, a smart woman,” his mother said in English. She held out a hand to shake. “Welcome to my home, Rajneet.”

Raj stepped forward to take the offered hand. “Sat Sri Akaal, Auntyji.” She shook, and then pressed her hands together in front of her chest. “You have a beautiful home and beautiful children, too.”