“You, too,” Karan says. “I’m proud of you.”

“Thank you,” Natasha says, knowing he means it.

Within minutes, Natasha is back with her family, who have ordered a round of beers. She rehashes her entire conversation with Karan. It’s clear from Mom’s perked face that she has a lot of opinions, but to everyone’s surprise, she keeps them to herself. Forget the comedy routine. This was the biggest win of the night!

But really, she’s lighter around everyone because she’s more herself. Maybe she needed to hit rock bottom to learn who she really is. She sees now that self-respect can only be born after failure and insight mesh together.

And her family is different, too. By visiting their pasts, they were able to pave different futures together. She used to fantasize about what it would be like to have simple ties to her family tree instead of the twisted branches that are in theirs. But she knows now that she wouldn’t want them to be any other way. They still aren’t always in perfect harmony with one another, but maybe that isn’t the point. Maybe being whole and authentic with the people you love is the real victory.

“Come here.” Zack pulls them all into a circle. “Ah, I love being a part of this colorful group.”

“Colorful?” Suhani asks. “That’s a really nice way to put it, honey. I think you mean absurd, out of control, emotional . . .”

“Yeah, okay, those, too,” Zack agrees before he kisses Suhani’s cheek. “And I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

“Shall we head back? It’s pretty late.” Anuj glances at his Apple watch.

“Let’s go!” Natasha smiles.

For the first time in a long time, she can’t wait to go home.

Acknowledgments

My rockstar agent, Jessica Watterson, is every writer’s dream. Thank you for the guidance, feedback, and friendship during such a turbulent year. I am so lucky to be able to work with you and learn from you.

Kristine Swartz, you knew the book I was trying to write and how to get this manuscript there. Thank you for your patience and insight. I am so grateful for your editorial skills, direction, and talents. I can’t wait until we can have coffee together in person.

Fareeda Bullert, thank you for being an amazing marketing director and giving me such incredible opportunities. I am so lucky to know you.

Danielle Keir, thank you for getting WBIW to places I never could have imagined. I’m so grateful to work with you and be able to celebrate the joys of motherhood with you.

Thank you to Diana Franco for making the post-debut months such a pleasure. Megha Jain, thank you for making the book look so refined and elegant. Thank you to Eileen Chetti for making this story consistent and making sure I didn’t have a summer lasting ten months.