Suhani sighs. “There were certain things Roshan and I never had to discuss, about our parents moving to America, being the oldest in a Gujarati family. With Zack, we had to make it a point to talk about all of that stuff, and sometimes he still doesn’t get it.”

She sips her wine and feels a wave of relief at being able to say all this and know Natasha won’t judge her. Maybe Suhani should be kinder to her younger self every time she berates her for dating Roshan. Things weren’t toxic in the beginning. He doted on her constantly. It took her months to realize that control could be disguised as love.

Natasha looks at Suhani as if she’s examining her. “Is there ever a second when you wish you were with someone else? Or single? I feel like nobody ever talks about the bad parts of being married, like being trapped or wondering if you made a mistake.”

“Never.” Suhani shakes her head. “Even on our bad days, things with Zack are still good at the core. I’ve been so tired and stressed from work, but we both still try as hard as we can for each other. And he’s always made me feel like I can do anything, be anyone I want.”

Before Zack, Suhani didn’t know that the way someone made her feel about herself was one of the most important parts of a relationship.

She wonders if she should tell Natasha about the last few times she and Zack have argued. It all feels so out of character for them, for the usual steadiness of their marriage. Natasha would know how to reassure her that it’s just because of work stress and some miscommunication. Nothing to worry about.

“I get that,” Natasha says. “Karan made me feel funny, for sure, but, like, I think he wanted a funny housewife. Not a comedian. Maybe I knew on some level that he thought I was fun-girlfriend material but not his type of wife material.”

“I can see how it’s easier to like the idea of someone more than the actual reality of being with them,” Suhani says. “But don’t you think Karan did really know you? He’s been a part of our family forever. Maybe you both just need a little space.”

Natasha frowns. “So you’re saying I made a mistake?”

“I didn’t say that at all. I just think you both know each other so well and maybe this is just a rough patch.”

“Ugh.” Natasha rolls her eyes. “I was just trying to talk to you about Zack, not get into why I screwed things up with Karan. Trust me, Mom has given me enough shit about it. And I’m sure his mom is thrilled I’m out of the picture.”