On the car ride to the farm, Sunny had taken me away from the bride’s group and it was a no-brainer to know why. He didn’t want our ruse to fall apart. But I’d joined the ladies on the way back, and it had been fine. Sunny had insisted to no end to go couples or Uber, but I’d somehow managed to talk him down off his weird ledge. The deception wouldn’t fall apart, and I’d had a nice time.
Maya sat in the back seat with me, Sejal drove, and April navigated the conversation from up front. Every time they aimed to get more details about me, my life, or my relationship with Sunny, I expertly maneuvered back to them. I honestly wanted to know more about them. My energy may have been drained being around strangers, no matter how much effort I put into my pulled-back shoulders and smile, but people were fascinating. Which helped keep my anxiety at bay; no sudden need to hide in another room, no socially overstimulated brain shutting down, no withering posture wishing to fade away. Sunny’s friends had made me feel as comfortable as being one of their own.
For example, April kicked ass in a field dominated by men. She was a manager, didn’t take any crap, and made a point to wear some shade of pink and/or shimmer daily. Aside from pink being her favorite color, she loved to see how uncomfortable it made some men in STEM.
Maya was Gujarati, just like Aamar, Sunny, and myself. She spoke seven languages that she’d learned just because, and had a map of the world with a hundred pushpins indicating where she’d been. Her goal was to reach every continent, including Antarctica (apparently tourists were allowed during the summer months, most likely staying put on a boat), and as many countries as possible. The idea of traveling exhausted me, but it brought her to life.
Sejal was…not interested in talking. Which made me want to know even more!
Aside from the standishoffish vibes from her, surely it must’ve been strange for her to be in the same car with her ex’s current girlfriend, but sis had nothing to worry about. In fact, if she wanted Sunny back and he wanted her, I’d be all for it. I sort of wanted to tell her that.
Honey, if he’s the love of your life and you want him back, take your shot.
But that wasn’t my business. Even though I would help them.
Once we’d returned to the hotel, the groups went their separate ways. More bonding time for friends, which was great. Being around strangers who wanted to know everything about me had depleted all my energy. I was tuckered out.
I returned, alone, to the villa for a quick nap, only to be awakened by Diya jumping into bed with me.
“Ugh. What time is it?” I groaned, prying open my eyes.
“Almost six, Sleeping Beauty.”
“The original Sleeping Beauty has horrific underlying tones of assault.”
“Don’t sour the mood when you know what I’m here for.”
“To feed me?”
Diya tapped my belly and I flinched with a giggle. “Surely your man fed you while you were out.”
“Just coffee.”
“Nah. He needs to do better than that. Can’t ever let your loved ones be in want of food.”
“No one said anything about love.”
She snuggled up against my side. “Maybe not yet.”
Pangs of guilt plucked away at my conscience. I should probably tell her the truth before she created some fanciful future for us. I didn’t want her upset with me later on, much less disappointed.
“Are you going to have a big fat Indian wedding?”
And…there it was.
“Because I need to know ahead of time to get outfits. I haven’t been to an Indian wedding in years. I miss getting extra, not to mention the food. Kimo doesn’t want an elaborate wedding, and neither do I. Sounds stressful to plan one.”
“Wait.” I turned my head toward her, bumping my chin against her forehead and rubbing her head with an apology. “You and Kimo are discussing marriage?”
“We’ve had chats. Nothing saying we’re ready for the next step, and who knows? Maybe the next step for us is to move in together.”
“Oof. Don’t tell the parents that. Speaking of parents, don’t get them all excited about Sunny. You don’t get excited, either. Trust me.”
“Too late. Trust me. And what do you mean? You sound like nothing will ever come out of this.”
“We’re…newish.”
“Well, if he has any common sense, he’ll put a ring on that finger and a baby in that uterus.”
“Oh, hell no. No kids. And engagement is the furthest thing from my mind. I’m just not interested. I’m good where I’m at.”
“Same.”
“Solidarity, my sister, against the parents’ wishes for us to be moving forward before we’re too old.”
Diya sat up, running her fingers through my hair, the braids having been undone before I crashed. “Speaking of family, is it cool if Kimo’s comes over for dinner?”
“I would never say no!”
“That’s because his mom cooked for you.”
I laughed. “Among other things. I adore them, you know? I’m glad his family is as wonderful as he is. They must really like you if they can put up with you.”
“Right!”
“What did his mom make?” I asked, suddenly alert and hungry.
“She made mochiko tofu with greens and butter mochi for dessert. Knowing her, and you, she probably added ube.”
