When Natasha and Karan were dating, he’d often note that he couldn’t believe he was with someone so fun. He assumed he was too dorky, too serious, for her. But now it’s clear that Karan has won. It turns out that in the game of life, being the funny, outspoken one doesn’t get you very far.

“If I can ask, how did you meet Anisha?” While a part of her wants to play it cool, a bigger part is way too curious to not know more details.

“We met on Dil Mil.” Karan shifts in his chair. “She’s nice. Not complicated or all over the place.”

“You mean, like me.” Natasha clenches her fist. Of course she’s now Karan’s crazy ex-girlfriend. A part of her isn’t even surprised.

She thinks back to the episode of Sex and the City when Carrie realizes she’s too complicated for Big, confronts him after his engagement party at the Plaza, and walks away without looking back. If only Natasha had the strength for that type of badass gesture now.

“That’s not what I said.” Karan puffs out his cheeks. “I meant Anisha and I want the same things. A simple life. Stability. Family.”

“Oh wow. I’m sure your mom is thrilled,” Natasha says, hating that her words are weighed down with bitterness. Damn that desi dating app. Natasha can picture Anita Auntie entering in all the preferences on Karan’s behalf: Sweet, polite, perfect boy seeks girl who is as opposite of Natasha Joshi as possible.

“I think we should stop talking about this.”

“I think you’re right.” Natasha crosses her arms, feeling like a five-year-old who just got told she can’t have dessert.

Karan glances at his phone. “I should get going.”

“Good idea. I have to get back to work anyway,” Natasha lies.

The weight of the entire day settles on her shoulders. She’s a disappointment to everyone: her family, her friends, her ex-boyfriend, herself. Why did she ever think she could be anything else? She never fit in, and now she understands that she never will.

After she watches Karan pull out of the parking lot, she grabs her tote bag and gets in her car. She’s gotten a few responses in the group thread.

SUHANI: That was really messed up. Please don’t call me. I have enough going on in my life and don’t need anymore stress.

ANUJ: Agreed. Didn’t even know you made one about me. I helped you with YouTube and then you do that? Seriously?

ZACK: Think we should all take some time to process.

Zack also texted her separately. It’ll blow over soon. Don’t worry.

Ah, sweet Zack. If only he accepted that nothing in their family ever blows over soon. They’re all master grudge holders.