Devi’s work often takes her on exciting last-minute trips to a variety of places. The trips tend to end with big group dinners full of fine wine and even finer conversation. Bina always relishes her friend’s freedom, the type that is only possible when you don’t have anyone to answer to. She takes in her own surroundings: her big, empty house, the untouched food she spent the morning preparing, the earthy scent of the sandalwood candle lingering in the room. For a fleeting moment, she wishes she could also be untethered.

“So, what’s going on?” Devi asks.

Bina gives Devi a quick run-through of the morning, starting with the food prep and ending with the texts.

“It’s like I’m back in school,” she says. “No, wait, this is actually worse than that.”

“Because you were the queen bee back then?” Bina can hear Devi smiling.

“I wouldn’t say that,” Bina says.

“You don’t have to. You’re the only one who stood up to mean teachers. And everyone copied your style. Even when we were going for auditions, you had no problems telling certain problematic directors to watch their hands and not talk to you like a servant. So, yes, you were queen bee,” Devi confirms. “And you still are, Bina. This is a new thing you’re doing. There will be hiccups.”

“Hiccups, sure. But the only two people flaking? That sounds like a dud.” Bina stuffs a mini chutney-cucumber sandwich into her mouth.

“Did you hear back from Anita?” Devi asks, referring to Bina’s text about the meeting earlier in the week.

“She never responded,” Bina says. “I guess I was hoping she’d show up and surprise me.”

“Two thoughts before I have to go,” Devi says, putting her efficient professor hat on. Bina’s always in awe of how Devi’s brain is constantly so on. She’s one of those people who makes Bina feel more inspired, more capable, after just one conversation.

“First thought. Why don’t you expand Chats Over Chai to beyond your immediate circle? They’re all nice, but at the end of the day, they’re dai chokri.”

“They are good girls,” Bina agrees. “But they seemed interested when I told them more about it. I just don’t know what happened. And Anita was so excited about this.”

“That brings me to my second thought,” Devi says. “Just figure this stuff out with her. It’s obviously bothering you and needs to be faced and then put away.”

“I agree.” Bina pours herself a cup of chai. “But she doesn’t even want to talk.”

“Don’t give her a choice!” Devi says. “And I’m adding a third thought. You have the house to yourself, right?”

“I do. Deepak’s playing golf and Anuj is out with friends.”

And Natasha moved out.