Veronica brought Thomas his homework, spreading the books across the dining table before settling beside him. What began as a quick delivery turned into an hour of studying together—Thomas helping her with math while she quizzed him on biology and literature. By the time they packed up, it was already time to head to Eric’s house.

  When they stepped inside, they found Arvand’s family gathered in the living room, the air warm with expectation.

  Arvand: “Thomas… I am of the Brahmin caste. Do you know what that means?”

  Thomas: “Not really—just that it’s one of the higher castes?”

  Arvand: “Think of it like the Jewish Kohanim, if I’m saying that correctly.”

  Thomas: “Okay.”

  Arvand exhaled, searching for the right words.

  Arvand:

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  “I have several things to say, and I hope you’ll receive them in the spirit of my culture. I’ve been struggling to express this properly… You seem to have gained a kind of divine favor—the ability to see others’ needs. I don’t know how else to phrase it.”

  “When I learned this afternoon what you did… I was blown away. You—both of you—have done me and my family a great kindness. And to find out that the weekend it’s scheduled, you’ll be out of town, and you never even planned to be there or receive credit?”

  He shook his head, overwhelmed.

  “I don’t know whether to be sad or simply more humbled by the goodness you’ve shown. It has been a long time since I felt my family was truly seen. So… may I offer you two a blessing? In the same spirit you’ve blessed our lives?”

  Thomas and Veronica exchanged a surprised look, then nodded.

  Arvand stepped forward and gave them a traditional Hindu blessing—hands raised, murmured Sanskrit, a warm invocation of protection and prosperity. His parents watched with quiet gratitude.

  Veronica: “I’m glad… thank you.”

  Arvand: “Veronica—will you be there?”

  Veronica: “Oh, I wasn’t planning on missing it. I’ve got to see how his scheming plays out.”

  Wendy laughed from the sofa.

  Wendy: “All right, you two—your dad and I would like to go out with you sometime. A double outing.”

  Veronica: “That would be fine. Might even be fun. He may be smooth, but he still has a lot to learn about dating.”

  Wendy: “From what I hear, he’s got the romantic timing down.”

  Veronica: “Mom—! I can’t believe she told you.”

  Eric stepped forward, smiling apologetically.

  Eric: “I know you said this had to be quick, but he didn’t want to wait until Saturday or Sunday to see you. Thanks for coming over.”