Then There Was You

by Mona Shroff

  Great. Not only had he failed by not being able to go in, but he had actually helped Sajan score points. Not that this was a game.

  “Daniel, are you okay?” Annika narrowed her eyes at him.

  He flicked his gaze away from where Sajan was observing him with obvious concern, and Annika’s father had his lips pursed in righteous disappointment. He focused on the woman he loved. Whom he had just let down.

  “I missed it, didn’t I?”

  She nodded and shrugged, her focus never leaving him. Her brow was furrowed and her mouth pursed as she darted her eyes over him, trying to see what was broken.

  “So, no. I’m not okay.” He turned his full attention on her. Forget the observers. “I’m sorry—I had every intention of doing this for you. But I got here, and that damn lavender—”

  She shook her head. “No, Daniel, I’m the one who should be sorry, pushing you to do this when you weren’t ready. Coming back here—” she waved her hand “—would challenge anyone in your position. I’m really sorry.”

  He had been utterly convinced that he would be able to go into that building. That his love for Annika would give him what he needed to take those steps.

  “Everything okay, Daniel?” Sajan was genuinely concerned. He stepped closer. “Need anything?”

  “What is going on?” Annika’s father called out. He had remained a respectful distance away, presumably allowing Daniel some privacy.

  Sajan turned to Mr. Mehta. “Uncle, this is where—”

  “Nothing!” Daniel interrupted Sajan, staring the other man in the eye. “Nothing is going on.” He wouldn’t have his story blurted out in front of Annika’s father for the sake of an excuse, or—God forbid—sympathy.

  For his part, Sajan stopped talking, but he appeared supremely confused. He nodded at Daniel; he wouldn’t tell his secret. But his face went blank when he saw Annika’s hand on Daniel’s arm. It was an intimate gesture, no doubt about it.

  Sajan looked up at Daniel, a look on his face that Daniel had never seen in the good doctor. Anger? Jealousy? No need for him to worry. Daniel’s heart felt like lead as the realization hit him. He’d be gone soon enough. There was no way Annika would keep him now. He’d never measure up, and she would always wonder if she wouldn’t have been better off with Sajan.

  Today was proof.

  Annika’s father stepped closer to Daniel. “Are you ill?” He said it with such genuine concern that Daniel almost didn’t recognize the older man’s voice. “Is that why you didn’t come in?”

  Mr. Mehta turned to Sajan. “Does he look pale to you?”

  Sajan nodded. “Yes, Uncle, he does.” Sajan met Daniel’s eyes again, but this time with sadness. “But I’m sure he’ll be fine. I’m sure Annika will see to that.” He turned his gaze to her.

  She looked him in the eye. “Sajan, I meant to—”

  “Don’t.” He smiled sadly again, raking his eyes over her hand on Daniel’s arm, over the scant distance between them. “Not necessary. We were never even dating.” He turned toward Mr. Mehta. “Come, Uncle, I’ll walk you to your car.”

  Annika’s father pressed his lips together and shook his head in disappointment at Annika before turning and following Sajan.

  Daniel watched the two men retreat, his body tense. Annika had just chosen him over Sajan in front of her dad. She squeezed his arm.

  “I picked you long before today. Don’t be so surprised.”

  He looked down at her. Was she reading his mind?

  She smiled. “And don’t worry.” She tilted her head toward the building. “I’m sure there will come a time when you will be able to go in there. It’s just not today.” She shrugged. “And that’s okay.”

  He didn’t know what to say. He couldn’t imagine what he had done to deserve this incredible woman. “Can we get out of here?”

  “Sure,” she said as she got onto his bike and grabbed his helmet. “Anywhere you want to go.”

  * * *

  DESPITE ALL THE DRAMA, Ravi and Naya were back together. Having dinner together was Annika’s idea, and Ravi had instantly agreed, inviting the three of them to his place. She figured that once Naya got to know Daniel, she would understand that he was not the rebound guy. Daniel himself was not so sure. He also suspected Annika wanted Naya to like him so she’d have another ally in the family.

  “Relax. It’ll be fine,” Annika reassured a fidgety Daniel as they rode the elevator up to Ravi’s apartment. “It’s Naya and Ravi, not my dad.”

  “Honestly, I like my chances with your dad better. Naya is scary.”

  Annika waved a hand. “She’s all bark. No real bite.”

  The building was one of the nicest in the city. Apparently, Ravi worked for a successful firm and did quite well for himself. Daniel took a deep breath when Annika knocked on the door. She squeezed his hand and he relaxed a bit.

  Naya answered the door, giving her cousin a huge hug. She nodded at Daniel, acknowledging his existence with a simple hello.

  Okay, so it was going to be one of those kinds of evenings.

  “Something smells amazing!” Daniel said by way of greeting. Ugh. Mental face palm. Clearly he wasn’t going to win anyone over with his conversational ability.

  “That would be the dinner that Ravi cooked for us.” Naya smiled proudly as the man in question came to greet them at the door, wearing an apron over jeans and a black T-shirt.

  “Hey, man. Good to see you again.” Ravi extended his hand to Daniel, his smile warm and welcoming.

  Daniel shook his hand. “You, too.”

  Annika and Daniel took off their shoes and followed Naya and Ravi into the massive gourmet kitchen. “I hope you like chicken—I made my grandmother’s chicken curry. Want a beer, Daniel?”

  “Yeah, sure. That’d be great. And I love chicken curry. The spicier the better.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Yes.”

  “Because I went easy on the heat, because I wasn’t sure...”

  “Didn’t think the white guy could handle the heat, huh?”

  Ravi had the grace to appear abashed. “Truthfully, yes. Guess I should know better.” He opened a beer and handed it to Daniel. “I guess I should’ve known that someone who can do garba like you can also eat the heat.”

  Daniel took the beer and waited a beat. “Actually, my mom’s mom is Indian. We grew up next door to her.”

  “Humph.” Naya shrugged. “Emma shu?” She looked at Annika and rolled her eyes. “Sajan bhi garba gayay che. Annay eh bhi thiku-thiku kayay.”

  Annika opened her mouth, fired up and ready to defend Daniel. He pressed his hand to her back and addressed Naya himself. In Gujarati.

  “Thamari vat sachu. Sajan does speak Gujarati, and he can eat spicy food. But he is not here right now.” Daniel rested his gaze on Naya, amusement on his lips. He also couldn’t resist pressing closer to Annika, as if to solidify that he was hers.

  Naya’s jaw dropped, and she managed a small smile. “No, I suppose you’re right. Sajan is not here. You are.”

  Daniel had used the formal, respectful form of you in addressing Naya, and it did not go unnoticed.

  “How about some of my special pakora?” Ravi brought out a plate of mixed-veggie fritters, breaking the tension as everyone turned toward the amazing aroma. The pakora quite literally melted in Daniel’s mouth, and he reached for another.

  “How’d you get that extra crunch?”

  “Just a little bit of rice flour in the batter.” Ravi beamed. “But wait till you try the chicken.”

  The evening progressed amiably, and true to Ravi’s word, the chicken was incredible.

  “Okay, I can’t possibly eat more. Your chicken rivals my grandmother’s.” Daniel moved his plate aside.

  “How about another beer?” Ravi started to stand.

  Daniel wa
ved him back to his seat. “Nah. I’m good.”

  “I’m thinking about opening a restaurant.” Ravi sat down and looked around at the group.

  “Well, count me in as a regular.” Daniel smiled.

  “Me, too.” Annika grinned and squeezed Daniel’s hand under the table.

  So far so good.

  For a minute.

  “Seriously? I don’t know why I’m surprised at you two.” Naya threw her napkin down.

  Daniel became slightly nauseated at the glare Naya was throwing them.

  “What? We’re being supportive. Ravi is a fabulous cook, and you said he’s been going to culinary school,” Annika threw back at her cousin.

  “I mean, of course you two would support him.” She glared at Daniel, sliding her eyes to Annika. “You do whatever you want, no matter who gets hurt.”

  Annika snapped her gaze to her cousin, but before she could spout out the rage building in her, Daniel laid a hand on Annika’s thigh under the table and squeezed gently. He couldn’t have her always in a position of defending him.

  “Clearly, you’re upset about this. Let’s focus on that.” Daniel used his best patient-soothing voice. “Why does this upset you?”

  “Because,” Naya sighed, “he just told his parents he’s joining the Peace Corps with me, and they flipped out! They even told my parents. So now my parents are pissed at me for ‘putting these ideas’ in his head, as well.” She paused for breath. “If he opens this restaurant, everyone will blame me as the ‘bad influence’—especially his parents—and I can’t—”

  She broke off as sudden tears choked her. Annika reached for her cousin, but Ravi got there first. “Naya. How many times do I have to tell you? We’re in this together. Who cares what they think? I’ve seen this a million times. Stubborn Indian parents opposed to the person their child chooses to marry. They almost always come around.”

  “Almost?”

  Annika shook her head at her cousin. “I love you, Naya, but you have got to stop living your life for everyone else. Go with your heart for once. See what happens. This is your life, not theirs.”

  “And anyway,” interjected Ravi, “being a chef, opening a restaurant, has always been my dream. I should just let my dreams go because you’re afraid of what my parents will think of you?”

  “Well,” Daniel spoke up without thinking, “I don’t think that’s what she’s saying. I think she just wants your parents to love her the way she is prepared to love them.”

  Both Naya and Ravi turned to glare at him, and Naya spoke first. “You know what? There’s no way you understand what’s going on here—I don’t care that your grandmother is Indian. It’s not the same.”

  Daniel seemed unfazed. “It’s not about that. I’m just offering a different perspective.”

  “Perspective?” Naya said shrilly. “Now, that is something you two could both use.” She waggled her finger between Daniel and Annika. “Whatever you two have going on, it can’t last.” She calmed her voice and turned to Annika. “Sweetie, I can see that you think you love each other, but he’s not who your parents would want for you.” She paused and gave Annika a meaningful glance that Daniel did not miss. “How much can you expect your parents to take?”

  Annika seemed frozen to her chair, and Daniel’s heart plummeted, even as his anger rose. Naya turned to Ravi and continued. “That’s why this can’t work. Daniel is right about one thing—I do want your parents to love and respect me, and if they can’t, if they see me as the one leading you down a wrong road, I can’t live like that. I love you, Ravi, but I’m not going to make you choose.” Naya stood.

  “What’re you doing?” Ravi’s eyes widened, and he stood, as well.

  “I’m sorry.” Naya shook her head and headed for the door. “I can’t do this.” With that, she donned her coat, turned and left.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  ANNIKA

  “OH MY GOD, ANNIKA! Come outside!” called an excited Nilay, poking his head through the door of the bar.

  “I’m working.”

  “Two minutes.” He looked around the restaurant. “It’s practically empty.” He glanced at the bar. “Hey, Daniel!”

  Daniel waved to Nilay over his sandwich. “Hey, kid.”

  It was pretty empty and no one needed her, so Annika took off her apron and grabbed her jacket. “Fine.” Daniel grabbed her hand as she walked past him and pulled her in for a kiss. She allowed herself to melt into him for a moment. She was definitely getting used to this.

  With a heavy sigh, she pulled back. “Let me go see what he wants.”

  “Mmm. If you insist.” Daniel let her go. “No hat?” He teased.

  “Ha ha.” She opened the door to the deep winter cold and wished she had grabbed her hat, and maybe a scarf. It was dusk, and the sun still peeked around a few clouds, shedding some light. The streetlamps would be on momentarily.

  Nilay, wearing only a sweatshirt over his jeans and T-shirt, stood admiring Daniel’s motorcycle.

  She rubbed her hands together. “Aren’t you cold?”

  “Didi, check out this bike!” His eyes danced with excitement.

  “Please tell me you didn’t call me out here to look at Daniel’s bike.” She stomped her feet against the cold.

  His eyes widened. “This? This is Daniel’s bike? Seriously?”

  “You did call me out here for this.” The fragrant aroma of home cooking emitted from the brown bag he handed her. She pulled out her phone and texted Daniel to come outside. “Let Daniel come out here and talk to you about—”

  “What is that stench?” A tall, muscular man had walked a couple of steps past them, but returned, his nose in the air, sniffing. Annika, always aware of her surroundings, had noticed him passing. He stood a good head over Nilay, his shoulders spanned the width of both hers and Nilay’s, and he wasn’t wearing a jacket, simply a dark-colored long-sleeved shirt, so tight it looked painted onto his skin, accentuating his beefy musculature. He took slow steps toward them. “I smell something...foreign.” He wrinkled his nose and turned to them with a snarl. “Like it don’t belong here.”

  Annika felt Nilay tense beside her. She grabbed his arm, her belly in fits. “Just ignore him.”

  Before Nilay had a chance to do anything, the man stepped closer, his eyes narrowed at Annika as she held the bag in front of her. “Why don’t you just take that stench and go back to where you came from?” And he spat at her, spittle hitting the precious brown bag of food and dripping down onto the ground. Before she could fully register what happened, Nilay jumped in front of her, his small fists flailing.

  “Nilay!” Annika dropped the bag, trying to reach her brother and pull him back before this deviant hurt him. “Stop! No!”

  She was too slow, and the man shoved her aside as if he were flicking away a bug. He landed a meaty fist to Nilay’s chest. Annika saw something on his fist catch the light and Nilay fell back, a rag doll in slow motion. Annika tried to reach him before he hit the sidewalk, but she was too far away. She grabbed at his shirt just as another pair of hands also grabbed at Nilay.

  Daniel.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  DANIEL

  DANIEL HADN’T BOTHERED with a jacket; he was used to the cold. He walked out just as a man easily three times the size of Nilay landed a solid punch to the boy’s chest. Annika was screaming and reaching for her brother. In two large steps, Daniel was close enough to grab Nilay so he didn’t hit his head on the concrete. But in the second it took him to turn to the assailant, the asshole kicked Nilay in the leg, leaving it at an odd angle.

  It was almost in slow motion that Daniel assessed that Annika was out of the way as he made a fist and aimed for the man’s face. A flicker of something shiny flashed in front of his face, followed by a searing pain in his arm, and Daniel’s punch never landed.

  The assailant k
icked the bag of food, scattering its contents all over the sidewalk, and took a few steps back, wielding the knife that had just cut Daniel.

  Daniel brought himself to his full height and readied himself to face off with this animal. It was a foregone conclusion: he was going to rip this asshole’s goddamn fucking face off. He calculated in a few seconds the various ways in which he could make this idiot pay for hurting Nilay. Throat punches seemed appropriate. He hadn’t felt primal rage like this since Sara.

  Annika’s screams cut through his red haze, and he flicked his gaze to her. Sensing his moment of escape, the man turned and bolted. Daniel took a few steps after him, ready to give chase, but Annika’s voice was further panicked now.

  “Daniel!” she shrieked. “He’s having trouble breathing!” She looked up at him from the sidewalk, panic all over her face. “You’re bleeding! I’m calling 911.” She pulled her phone from her jacket pocket.

  He glanced down the street as the man disappeared into the crowd that had accumulated. Fucking coward.

  He grunted as he knelt by Nilay’s side, his own animal rage still lingering.

  Daniel crouched down close to Nilay. “Can you breathe?”

  Nilay nodded, but gripped his shirt. “Just barely.”

  “Where did he hit you?”

  Nilay motioned at his chest. Daniel opened Nilay’s sweatshirt and ripped the T-shirt. Bruises were starting to form. The bastard had worn brass knuckles. Sirens sounded in the distance. Daniel willed them to come faster.

  He gingerly felt the area. Nilay flinched in pain and was clearly having trouble breathing. Damn it. He needed a stethoscope. Nilay definitely had a punctured lung, and dangerous pressure could be building up inside him as they spoke. The cops had arrived and were talking to Annika. She was trying to help them, but her attention was on her brother, and she kept eyeing Daniel’s bloody arm.

  The sirens drew closer as he tried to calm Nilay, and he overheard what Annika was telling the officer.