Oh, she definitely is, Bina thinks. Judging is one of Anita’s favorite hobbies, as Devi observed during all her trips to Atlanta. I’m that woman’s worst nightmare, she often says. Anita even judges Mona for being too “unconventional” and “making people uncomfortable,” which are two of Bina’s favorite things about Mona.

Bina and Mona talk for a few more minutes. Mona glances at her vintage silver watch and says, “Ah! I didn’t realize how late it’s getting. I have to get to the Bollywood Closet. They’re holding an emerald-green sari for me.”

“Have fun!” Bina waves.

Mona can shop all day and not get bored. When she travels to India, she always takes a giant empty suitcase just to fill with the outfits she’ll buy there.

Years ago, Bina heard that Mona once ordered Sabyasachi saris from a new online shop. She was convinced the retailer sent her fakes and mailed back the saris with a note that read, You can shove these knock-offs up your butts! Some people claim Mona’s word of mouth is the sole reason that shop no longer exists.

Bina rolls up the window. “Suhani? Sorry, I’m back.”

“No worries!” Suhani says, never one to complain about being left on hold.

A rush of anticipation passes through Bina as she gets closer to Anita’s house, a house where Bina knows everything from the security code to where the fancy dishware is stored.

But her breath catches in her throat as she turns into the cul-de-sac.

“Oh my God.”

“What is it?” Suhani asks. “What’s wrong?”

Bina clutches the steering wheel with a white-knuckled grip. “Mira and Kavita are here.”

“What do you mean? They’re at Anita Auntie’s house?”

“Those are their cars,” Bina says, not sure if she’s embarrassed, angry, or both. But then she feels the threat of tears. “Listen, I should go. I’ll talk to y—”

“Mom!” Natasha chimes in. Ha! So she was right there! “Are you freaking kidding me?”

“What?” Bina asks as she feels a flash of triumph, then anger, at hearing Natasha’s voice.

“You’re getting upset over these women meeting without you? Go in there and confront them about lying! What they’re doing is messed up!”

It is messed up, Bina agrees. Her daughters often know how to pinpoint what she’s feeling even when she doesn’t say much. As much as she loves talking to Anuj, she knows he’d never be able to do this.

“I can’t go and confront them,” Bina says. “There’s obviously a reason they didn’t want to come today or call me here. Anita isn’t ready for us to reconnect.”

“I think Natasha’s right.” Suhani’s tone is gentle but firm. “You can’t just let this go.”