Anita widens her eyes and shoots Bina a look that says, Don’t say any more. Bina can feel her friend’s fear in a way that’s only possible when you’ve been on the same wavelength with someone for years.

But despite that, Bina suddenly knows she can’t stay quiet. Since when has that helped anything? Maybe if she had spoken up years ago, she would be living a completely different life.

She ignores the pressure of the words building inside her. “Karan proposed and Natasha said no.”

“What?” Kavita asks, as though she didn’t hear Bina.

Mira, for once, is speechless. They all turn to face Anita. The color has drained from her face. She gazes at Bina with a mixture of irritation and shock. “Y-yes. Karan asked.”

“When?” Kavita asks.

“Two weeks ago,” Bina says. “At our house.”

“And Natasha said no?” Kavita asks. “Why?”

“Who knows?” Bina makes sure to sound blasé, like the type of evolved woman who can deliver shocking news without flinching. “But these kids—all our kids—have to decide what they want to do with their lives.”

“But . . . but I was sure they’d be getting married next year.” Mira frowns and is surely picturing the saris and intricate pearl jewelry sets she’d already planned to wear for Natasha and Karan’s events. Before Suhani’s wedding, Mira sent Bina dozens of pictures of her proposed outfits. It was as though her own daughter was the one getting married.

Anita stares at the concrete floor as if there’s an answer there. Bina waits for her to chime in. When she doesn’t, Bina adds, “Well, they’re not. And that’s that.”

Finally, it’s out. She feels lighter. Like a weight’s been lifted, she thinks, understanding the phrase she’s heard a million times.

This is what she had to do. She and Anita can move on now. And all of them can figure out a date for the first Chats Over Chai meeting.

She’s about to say just that, but Anita starts walking away. “I have to get going.”

“Wait,” Bina urges at the same time Mira and Kavita murmur something along the same lines.

“No, no, no, I really should get going,” Anita stammers.

And without another word, Bina watches her best friend run into the parking lot, get into her black Lexus, and drive away.

Four

Deepak

Anita and Bina will figure this out between themselves,” Jiten says in the hospital cafeteria two days after the health fair. Jiten made statements like this often with a wave of his hand, statements that gave away that Anita handled all social ties for their family.