“No.” She paused. “I mean, I don’t think so.” She no longer cared about being modern or progressive. She had deep passion for her work and no desire to become a doctor. Being a teacher was completely about following her passions. Her feelings for Daniel were such that she had never experienced before. In the short time they’d known each other, he’d become comfortable, reliable, steady. Sure, he had his issues, but who didn’t?

“All I’m saying,” Naya softened, taking Annika’s hands in hers, “is consider the possibility that when you rebel, you don’t necessarily make choices that are the best for you. Maybe you’re turning away from Sajan because your parents actually like him. You wouldn’t be the first girl who did that.”

That couldn’t possibly be the truth, could it? She glanced at her bedroom door as if she could see Daniel. He loved her, no doubt. Did she really love him, or was she acting out like a teenager?

A banging at the door interrupted her thoughts. Her attention snapped back to Naya, whose eyes had gone wide.

“It’s like Grand Central this morning,” Annika murmured as she went to the door.

She opened it to find a clearly unkempt Ravi midknock. “Thank God you’re home. Is Naya here? She won’t answer her phone or anything.”

Annika stepped aside and let Ravi see Naya standing there. They made eye contact and Naya froze.

“Naya.” Ravi sagged in relief. He said her name with such desperation, such relief and love, Annika almost teared up.

Naya pressed her lips together. “Ravi.”

Annika could tell her cousin was trying to be cold, but she saw Naya’s lip quiver.

“I’m going. I worked too hard—did what my parents wanted. I’m going.”

Ravi narrowed his eyes and stepped closer. “Duh. Of course you are.”

Naya couldn’t hide the flick of surprise that fled across her face. Annika said nothing, as Ravi and Naya were clearly continuing a conversation that had started earlier. She stepped back into her room, leaving the door open a crack. She peeked out. Naya tightened her expression. “So that’s it?”

“That’s what?”

“Us. That’s it. Because I’m going to the Peace Corps. No matter what. I’m not changing my dreams for a man—it’s hard enough I have to mold them around my parents.”

Annika felt Daniel come up behind her, his body just grazing hers. She turned to face him. His hair was dry, his clothes unchanged.

“You didn’t shower?”

He pressed his lips together. “I did. Before I came here.”

Her heart banged in her chest. “So you heard?”

He nodded. He flicked his gaze to the door.

Ravi’s voice was firm, amusement lacing his words. “Have I asked you not to go?”

“Well, not in so many words, but your parents—” Naya’s voice quivered.