They were in the parking lot outside of the hotel where the wedding would take place, waiting to be part of the jaan, the groom’s procession, which should start in the next fifteen minutes. She raised her face to absorb the warmth from the midmorning sun in the November chill as the dol player tested out his beat. The dol player held the single drum with a strap around his neck, so the drum lay horizontal at his waist. He played one side with a stick and the other side with his hand.

The loud drumbeat was as synonymous with weddings as a bride and groom and the scent of burning incense. The crowd responded to the taka-taka-tum with cries of enthusiasm as they began to move their bodies to the beat of the dol. The jaan would dance the groom to the entrance of the hall, where the bride’s family would greet him.

Naya spared her a glance. “I’m not fussing. I’m just not used to wearing a sari. Not everyone has your grace.” She scowled.

Annika laughed. “You’re all worked up because Ravi is going to be here with his family. It’s cute—I’ve never seen you so nervous over a guy before.” She grabbed Naya’s hand. “I said, stop fussing. You are an amazing and accomplished woman. There’s nothing to be nervous about.” She squeezed her hand. “And didn’t both sets of parents agree to the initial meeting anyway? It’s like you have preapproval.”

Naya held up her hands. “Of course. I’m being ridiculous. I just want them to like me, not the résumé.” Her gaze dropped to Annika. “You’re looking pretty damn amazing in that sari yourself. Sometimes I’m right. That purple is working for you. Wait until Sajan sees.” She wiggled her eyebrows.

“Thanks.” She glanced down, seeming to notice the color for the first time. Truth was, she was no more comfortable in a sari than Naya was. They only wore them on special occasions, so while she could manage it, they both relied heavily on safety pins. She tried to be excited to see Sajan, but it was all she could do to smile back at Naya at the mention of his name.

“You do know what color sari you put on today, don’t you?” Nothing got past this girl.