Page 128 of Reasons We Break

Before she can thank him, TJ reaches them. “What are you two talking about so seriously back here?”

“You,” Charlie says instantly. “Simran said you can dance. I don’t believe her.”

“Ex-cuseme?” TJ’s outraged voice follows Simran even as she makes her escape. Bless Charlie for his diversions.

Her mom waves her over to her table, where most seats are abandoned; people are either on the dance floor, at other tables, or taking a break from the party. Simran’s thankful; her pleasantries earlier were awkward enough. The only people there now are Kiran, their mom, and TJ’s mom, who’s apparently drifted over for an obligatory brief conversation. By their stiff body language, Simran can tell it’s going about as well as ever. She sits next to them, and her masi brightens.

“Simran. I haven’t seen you in—”

“Yes, too long,” Simran says quickly. She doesn’t need her masi bringing up the time Simran was at their house. She turns to her mom, and the plate of gulab jaman in front of her. Simran hadn’t seen any floating around the other tables. “Can I have one?”

Her mom pushes them toward her. Simran bites into a gulab jaman. It’s fresh, and warm, and delicious.

“Good?” her mom says.

“Sogood.”

She nods. “I got them for you.”

The gulab jaman tastes even better when Simran takes her next bite. Her mom watches her eat like it gives her personal satisfaction.

Just then, Rupi Auntie returns from the dance floor, fanning herself. “Hai hai.” She collapses into a chair. “Bhangra is the best exercise, no?” She glances at Simran’s mom. “Tarleen! I meant to say earlier, but I’m so glad to see you here.”

Her mom smiles. “Thank you. Your suit is beautiful.”

Rupi Auntie leans forward and lowers her voice. “You’re looking much better than you did at the hospital. Were you sick?”

Simran freezes. Rupi Auntiesaw?

Time slows. The Diljit Dosanjh song playing over the loudspeakers seems to warp and fade. TJ’s mother’s eyes slide to Simran’s mother, who’s gone pale. Meanwhile, Rupi Auntie’s guileless smile fades, as she clearly realizes her assumption that these sisters were well-versed on each other’s lives was wrong.

“Hospital?” TJ’s mom says quietly. “What’s she talking about?”

Rupi Auntie titters. “I’m going to get some chaat. Anyone? Chaat?” When no one answers, she excuses herself.

TJ’s mom instantly rounds on Simran’s. “What’s going on, Tarleen? Tell me, right now.”

“Nothing.” Simran’s mother stands abruptly and without any more words, she vanishes into the crowd, too.

TJ’s mother turns to Simran.

“Iknewsomething was wrong. Why didn’t I know—What happened to her?”

Her voice is loud. Simran’s never been so glad for the deafening DJ sets at Indian weddings. She racks her brain for a believable lie. But just as she’s drawing breath, a hand lands on her shoulder.

Kiran. Her face is stony as she addresses TJ’s mom.

“Masi ji,” she says crisply. “With respect. If you want to know what’s going on with our mother, go ask her yourself.”

Simran’s jaw drops. TJ’s mom looks taken aback, too, but then she squares her shoulders and vanishes after her sister.

Once she’s gone, Simran says, “You shouldn’t have said that. She’ll think you’re rude.”

“Come on. I said ‘with respect,’ didn’t I?” At Simran’s look, Kiran shrugs. “I couldn’t take it anymore. As usual you were about to take the hits for Mom. That’s notright, Simmi. It’s not your duty to protect them from their own bad behaviour.” She picks up her glass of wine and downs it in one gulp as Simran stares. “And it pisses me off that I cantellyou’re sitting there feeling guilty about letting our parents down right now. And I know you think I don’t care. That if I cared, I’d feel guilty, too. But did it occur to you that neither of us has to feel guilty? I know you’re mad at me, and you can be—but I’m mad atthemfor making you their anchor in the world, when anyone can see what it’s doing to you.”

Simran has no idea what to say. She honestly never thought Kiran understood things that well, not when she’s been away from home so long.

When Simran doesn’t respond, Kiran shakes her head. “I’m getting more wine.”