Suresh started the engine. “You two,” he said, meeting their eyes in the mirror. “You will be fine.”

Suresh smiled. “Too much pressure. No air between. Like some couples I carry.” He climbed out, leaving the door open.

“Ah,” said Suresh, peering at the rear tire. “Marriage problem.”

“Better than theirs?”

They tried. On the houseboat, Meera took a perfect photo of their interlaced fingers against the backwaters. She posted it with a heart emoji. Twenty-seven likes. But underneath the table, their feet were careful not to touch.

“I’m tired,” she said quietly.

Rohan looked at Meera. “You ate my last piece of cake on our first anniversary.”