The Candid Life of Meena Dave(61)

Funny. A few months ago, she’d craved time alone. Thought the aunties barging in for visits was intrusive. Now she kept waiting to hear footsteps. When she did, she’d hold her breath for a knock on the door. But the only visitors she saw were a snow-removal crew coming to clear out what fell to keep up with the blizzard.

Meena closed one box, shoved it to the side, and grabbed an empty one. The bedroom closet and dresser were going to use up all the boxes she had. But looking around, she saw she’d already made a difference in the room. This apartment was no longer a shrine to Neha and her belongings. Meena would ask the aunties if they wanted anything before donating them.

She had also decided to deal with the books last, if ever. Tanvi’s husband was interested, so she would have him take what he wanted. She might leave the rest, as they gave the living room a studious vibe.

She hopped up as she heard a knock on the door.

“You’re back.” Tanvi enveloped Meena in a hug.

Meena was stunned for a second at the casual affection. For the first time since she’d been back, she felt welcomed. She stepped back from Tanvi, who was dressed in a long purple skirt with matching tights and a white wool sweater. Her hair was up in a loose bun, and purple gems dangled from her ears.

“What are you up to?” Tanvi stepped around the boxes.

“Clearing out some of Neha’s things in the bedroom.” Meena led Tanvi back.

“I suppose it is time.” Tanvi found an empty spot on the floor and sat down. “Let me help.” She began folding. “We talked about it but couldn’t make ourselves do it. Then you came. Then you left. How was your trip? I told Uma and Sabina that we’re adding Seoul to our list of trips. I want to go to that club.”

“You’ll love it.”

“I would never judge anyone’s fashion sense, but Neha’s was really out there.” Tanvi held up a sweater in bright red. The front had a black felt top hat, mustache, and monocle sewn on. “I’m not sure anyone could pull this off.”

Meena laughed. Tanvi joined in.

“I remember her wearing a lot of these,” Tanvi said. “Uma is usually in jeans. Sabina must always have some Indian artifact on, jewelry or a kurta. I thought I was the brave one in my color choices. But Neha took it to the next level.”

“You’re welcome to anything you’d like to keep.” Meena waved her arm over the clothes. “This is just the beginning. I’m going to donate most everything.”

Tanvi nodded. “Don’t donate the art. It’s kitschy and weird, but some of it I made.”

“I’d like to keep what’s yours.” She really hoped it wasn’t the nude bottle-caps dude.

Tanvi gave her a big smile. “Of course.”

Meena chewed on her lip. “Can I ask why no one’s come by since I’ve been back?”

“I just did.”

Meena nodded. “You didn’t bring chai. And I haven’t seen Uma at all.”

“I see. It’s not the company you’re missing but the tea.”

“No. It is the company. Things feel different somehow.”

Tanvi crossed her legs on the floor and reached over for another empty box. “Well, we didn’t know if you were coming back. You never mentioned it in any of our conversations or texts. You came back the way you left, without word. This building is like a family. Yes, it can seem a little too close with everyone in each other’s business. It’s what we’re used to and you’re not.”

“I know I’m not part of the family . . .”

“I meant it’s not what you’re used to,” Tanvi said. “You keep your door locked and come and go as you please, and that’s understandable.”

“You’re right. I haven’t been very . . . I don’t know . . . involved.”

Tanvi reached over and squeezed Meena’s hand. “Yes. But we are here if—when you want to see what it is like again.”

“The way I left was a spur-of-the-moment decision,” Meena explained.

“Work can be like that. When inspiration hits me, I go into my studio and don’t answer my phone for hours. You have a job that needs you to be somewhere fast, you go. Remember, though, we appreciate texts with some details instead of a generic note on the door.”

“Got it.”

“You are independent,” Tanvi observed. “You don’t need anyone. Maybe because you’ve been on your own since you were a teenager. It’s also OK to rely on people, ask for help. Friendship can only work if it’s reciprocated.”

This time Meena reached over and squeezed Tanvi’s hand. “I’m sorry for leaving like that. And thank you for helping me with all of this.”

“Neha did have a lot.” They folded items as the wind howled outside.

Meena chewed on her lower lip. “I don’t have a lot of practice being a good friend. I have Zoe and she’s great. No matter how many invitations I pass up, she still asks.”

“She sounds lovely.”

“She is. I’m going to be better.” Meena knew she had to keep working on building and maintaining relationships. “With Zoe and with you all.”

“Don’t sell yourself too short,” Tanvi said. “There is something you’re doing right with Zoe for her to keep asking.”