Daniel nodded. He’d been visiting every day, just trying to keep clear of Annika when he did. It didn’t stop Nilay from lecturing him about breaking his sister’s heart. Daniel tried to ignore Nilay’s words. Better he broke Annika’s heart now than later on down the line.

“Well, Daniel.” Mr. Mehta took another sip and gently set his mug down.

Daniel took a sip, allowing the hot liquid to warm him while he waited for the older man to continue. For mid-March, it was still cold, even though the sun was high.

Mr. Mehta raised his chin and looked Daniel in the eye. “I wanted to see you for a couple of reasons. Not the least of which is that I owe you deep gratitude for what you did for Nilay. Sajan insists it was your quick thinking that saved his life.”

Daniel forced a smile. “Part of my job, sir. Nilay is a wonderful kid, and I’m just thankful that he’s doing well.”

“You weren’t working that day, and you were injured, as well.” He glanced at the healing gash on Daniel’s forearm. “But you put my son’s care before yours, and for that I am eternally grateful.” Mr. Mehta smiled, but it was something melancholy and weak. “Not only that, but you are modest, too. I should have known.” He paused.

Daniel waited, as it seemed Mr. Mehta had more to say.

“I’m also here to apologize for underestimating you—actually, I should apologize for my rudeness the few times we have met. I’m afraid I prejudged you based on your chosen profession and my own biases. It’s no excuse, especially when my son and daughter think so highly of you. You have no reason to accept my apology, but I offer it, nonetheless.” He stopped and sipped his coffee.

A few beats of silence passed as Daniel digested what he had said. What Annika’s father had said. All he could manage at first was a nod. “Thank you, Uncle.” Still in shock, his voice was not much more than a croak. “That means a lot to me.” He looked the older man in the eye. “It’s not easy, being a father. Seems natural to want only the best for your children.”

“True, but we have to separate what’s best for them from what we want for them.” Mr. Mehta shrugged with a small smile. “Sometimes—many times, in my case—that is not the same thing.”

Daniel smiled his acknowledgment and went back to drinking his coffee. Mr. Mehta sat in silence for a moment, as if deciding whether or not to say something.

“Is there something else, Uncle?”

Mr. Mehta inhaled deeply and looked Daniel in the eye. “Yes, in fact, there is. I have one more thing.”