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.She couldn't imagine why Saroj would've bought them, but was glad she had because they were perfect for what she had in mind.Devi soaked the apricots in sugar water while Saroj watched, her nose crinkled.“The samosas will get cold, Devi,” she said.“Why don't we eat these now and you can tell me what you want and I will make it for you later.”Devi didn't even bother to acknowledge Saroj or the questioning glances of her family.She knew they were staring at her, trying to figure out what she was up to.Saroj was hovering inside the kitchen while Avi, Girish, Vasu, and Shobha stood by the counter that separated the large kitchen from the spacious dining area.The house had been built to Saroj's specifications when Avi's company started making money, and the kitchen was the crowning glory.Everyone knew that and maybe that was why Devi took great pleasure in spilling a spoonful of sugar on the marbled floor.Saroj was ready to run with a hand vacuum and wet cloth when Avi pulled her out of the kitchen.“Let her be,” he said firmly.“And I'll clean the kitchen if it gets too dirty.”Saroj's chin jutted out and she removed Avi's hand from her arm.“I was only trying to help her,” she said tightly.“Don't help her, just let her figure out whatever it is she's trying to figure out,” Avi replied just as tightly.“Why are we standing here watching her?” asked Shobha as she smothered a yawn.“It makes me very uncomfortable to look at her as if she's some lab rat.”“Do you have to go back to work?” Girish asked Shobha, who shook her head.“Then just shut up and watch,” he added with a smile.“Mama, did she hit her head on the bathtub or something?” Shobha turned to her mother, ignoring her husband.“I mean, she never seemed all that interested in cooking before.”“I don't know,” Saroj said and winced when Devi indelicately plucked mint leaves from her precious herb pot on the kitchen windowsill.“What is she making?” Vasu asked.“I don't know,” Saroj repeated, sighing as Devi indelicately opened a closed Ziplock bag of ginger and the three big pieces fell on the kitchen floor.“I think she's making a chutney for the samosas.I am not sure.”Devi picked up the pieces of ginger and left them on the counter.She took one piece and started peeling it.“Ginger-and-apricot chutney?” Girish wondered aloud.“Let's all not forget the mint,” Shobha reminded.Saroj grimaced, looking at her herb pot, which now had lost its symmetrical look.She was so careful with it and Devi had just demolished all that work.The neat freak inside Saroj wanted to rage: the mother kept her quiet.Devi made a ginger, apricot, and mint chutney, along with a good amount of chipotle chili peppers found in a bottle, hidden deep down in Saroj's everything-is-in-there pantry.The end result was a fiery, smoky, tangy concoction that beat the pants off of Saroj's mint chutney.Devi told herself that she knew the difference between “afraid of suicidal person” praise and real praise.This was the real thing.Her chutney was a success.Pride swelled inside her and for the first time in a very long time she felt a small measure of confidence.But then she thought of all the coming days and panic filled her.She couldn't just make chutney every day and get a sense of accomplishment.Oh God, what was she going to do?After the last samosa was eaten without anyone saying anything to Saroj about how good they tasted, Girish opened the conversation up to more serious matters, beyond food.“You gave us quite a fright,” Girish said tenderly, his gaze holding Devi's.“We're very happy you're home.”Devi nodded and slid a forefinger on her plate, scooped up some chutney, and licked her finger, daring Saroj to tell her she was eating like ajunglee.“Why? What happened? You couldn't tell us?” Saroj asked as Devi sucked noisily on her forefinger.She scooped up some more chutney and shrugged.“What do you mean by that? You have to talk… you can't just…” Saroj became silent when Avi glared at her.“We don't want to put any pressure on you,” Saroj said on a long-suffering sigh.“But you are putting pressure on her all the same,” Vasu snapped at Saroj, flustered, and then looked at Devi, forcing herself to be calm.“How about a walk? Some fresh air?”Devi picked up her plate and ran her tongue on it
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