“Yes, it is. I’m not saying defy all authority. I’m saying you’re both grown adults. If he’s willing to be with you with all his heart, his parents will come around. And if they don’t—well, you can’t live your life trying to make everyone else happy.”

“Have you been talking to Ravi?”

“No, she has not.” A deep but familiar rumble came from behind Annika, and Naya went even paler.

Annika turned to find a disheveled and weary Ravi standing in the door. He nodded at Annika, but addressed his words to Naya. “I knew you’d come to see Nilay. Annika is right. Talk to me, Naya. Come on.”

“How did you even...know about Nilay?” Naya turned accusatory eyes on her cousin.

Annika held up her hands in surrender. “Not me.”

“Daniel,” Ravi confessed, flicking his gaze to Annika. “He called me.”

That sharp pang that Annika was getting familiar with stabbed at her heart.

Naya, for her part, was frozen in her seat, her eyes filled with longing for the man in front of her.

Annika stood. “I’ll just go...get some coffee...or something.”

“No.” Naya stood. “We’ll go.” She squeezed Annika’s hand. “You visit with Nilay.” Naya walked over to Ravi and took his hand. “Let’s talk.”

Annika settled into her chair next to Nilay’s bed, prepared to watch him sleep as she had the past few days.

“Is she gone?” Nilay croaked from the bed.

Annika sat up. “Yes. Are you all right?”

Nilay raised a hand. “Fine. Can you press the button so I can sit up?”

Annika did as her brother asked. He actually looked better. There was some color in his face, and he was smiling. “Hey! You look good!”

“Duh.” He grinned. “I’m ready to kick some ass.”

Annika shook her head. “Isn’t that what put you here to begin with?”

“Listen, nobody messes with my sister.”

“Yeah, okay, big guy.” Annika smiled at him and shook her head.

Nilay’s eyes got serious. “I mean it. If I ever find that guy—or even the dad at the school that insulted you—”

“What dad at the school?” Daniel’s voice thundered from behind Annika, startling her. She jumped up and turned around to find him standing in the doorway, his unkempt jaw clenched and green eyes fierce. She leaned on the chair for support.

“Daniel, what are you doing here?” She had no idea how she sounded; she only hoped she didn’t sound as heartbroken as she felt.

Daniel’s mouth was set in a line, and he was clearly trying to avoid looking at her. “I came to see the kid.” He lost his fight and looked at her, his voice and face immediately softening. “I walked by and saw you sitting here. I was leaving when I heard what he said.” He pressed his lips together. “What guy at the school?”