“We didn’t think you would mind. You seem to like him,” her mother chimed in.

“Sure, he’s a nice guy, but that doesn’t mean I want to marry him.”

“Why not? Love can grow, just as it did for me and your mother.” Her father shifted so he faced her. “And besides, we let you try it your way—and it didn’t work out.”

Did everyone need to remind her what a poor choice Steven had been? Didn’t people get to make mistakes?

“I’m not going to medical school.” She sat up and pressed her lips together. “I’m not marrying Sajan.” She was with Daniel. It was about time they knew. “Listen, I have to tell you something.”

Their eyes widened as if in wonder at what more she could say.

Her belly was overrun with butterflies, and she was starting to sweat profusely, but there was no way she was letting the idea of marrying Sajan go further. She took a deep breath and thought of the comfort she felt in Daniel’s arms. “I’ve been seeing someone.”

They stared at her in complete silence, with almost no reaction.

“Like, dating someone,” she clarified, in case they didn’t understand. Before she could say any more, there was a knock at the door. Her parents still sat in complete silence. Another knock. She didn’t move.

“Aren’t you going to answer that?” Her mother seemed to find her voice.

Annika stood and went to the door. Maybe it was Ravi, here for Naya.

She opened the door and was met with the fragrance of roses, followed by lips on hers that momentarily made her melt. Daniel wrapped his arms around her in the doorway and thoroughly kissed her good morning, weakening her body so she momentarily forgot where she was.

He walked her into the apartment, still kissing her, when the aroma of mint masala chai brought her back to her senses. She pushed away from him. He looked slightly hurt and confused until she tilted her head toward her parents, who had just watched him kiss her like he’d just returned from war. His lips were slightly swollen and wet, but to his credit, he simply pressed them together rather than draw attention by wiping his mouth.

His eyes filled with alarm, and Annika broke away from his gaze and turned to face her quite ashen parents. “Mummy, Papa. As I was saying—” she glanced at Daniel with a small smile “—I’m seeing someone. And that someone is Daniel. Nilay’s mentor.” She made a small movement with her hand to indicate the man standing next to her, as if there were anyone else in the room. Like he hadn’t just kissed her. In front of them.