But Mona’s blunt commentary on Anita’s behavior, coupled with how she took Bina aside to a private hallway and told her to “screw everyone,” compelled Bina to invite her today.

When she got here, Mira whispered, “I didn’t know she was coming.”

“I invited her,” Bina said with her best you’ll-get-over-it smile.

She’s reminded of how right her decision was when now Mona adds, “Well, speaking of Bipin, are you okay from all that, Kavita? I bet that wasn’t the most fun car ride home.”

Kavita laughs. “Of course. You know him. He always has strong opinions.”

“That he does.”

“But he’s sorry for how things happened that night,” Kavita says.

“He said that?” Mona presses.

Mira shakes her head and waves her hands in a don’t-ask type of signal.

“No.” Kavita’s face falls. “But I know he is sorry.”

“Of course he is,” Mira says.

What an egotistical asshole! Devi yelled on FaceTime the other day when Bina gave her a replay of the events. You are going to have to put him in his place.

Bina didn’t know how to tell Devi that nobody puts Bipin in his place.

“Since we’re discussing this anyway,” Kavita says, “I would appreciate it if nobody told him I was here.”

“Wait. Bipin doesn’t know you’re at my house?” Bina asks.

“He didn’t think it would be a good idea for me to come. . . . I know he’s just being cautious,” Kavita says. “You know he’s on all these boards and has these far-off dreams about running for office someday. He just wants to make sure our family has the best possible chance to succeed.”

For him to succeed, Bina wants to say. From the looks on Mona’s and Mira’s faces, she can tell they’re thinking something similar.

Bina pictures Bipin’s face twisted into a scowl. Everything from his bushy eyebrows to his red, round nose make him seem like the type of man who is always on edge. She and Deepak have seen Bipin get upset plenty of times for plenty of reasons. Traffic. Cold dal. One of their kids not getting a good enough job offer. He snapped at waiters and flight attendants, something that always irritated Bina. It always struck her that Kavita seemed to be a direct contrast to him, with her bright eyes, wide smile, and tendency to laugh at everything. She always thought these differences made them an ideal pair, but now she wonders if there’s a side to their marriage that’s been kept behind closed doors.

“We won’t say anything,” Bina says. Mira and Mona nod in agreement.

Bina motions for them to move to the formal living room. They all settle on the gray leather couches. She’s glad nobody’s sitting in Anita’s usual spot, the powder-blue armchair in the corner.

“So, who wants to start?” Bina asks.