Designed by Preeti (2025) Movie Script
(light music)
[Mallika] Hi, Mom.
Just called to say
I'm sad I'm missing out
on your and dad's big day.
You've been together for how long?
50, 60 years.
But seriously though, how do you even make
a relationship last that long?
Okay. Gotta go study.
You must be busy socializing.
I'll try you again later.
(light music)
Everyone is waiting for you.
Yeah, I, I'll just be five minutes.
I've asked the caterers
to serve the entrees.
I think people were getting hungry.
Well, that's why I
ordered six appetizers.
Next time, you do what you want.
Now wear something modern.
I bought you a closet full of clothes.
(crowd chatters)
(light music)
(crowd cheers)
- All of it.
- Alright.
(crowd chatters)
[Ajay] Every anniversary,
she gets something special.
(crowd oohing)
- That's nice.
- Nice.
[Guest] Yeah.
Happy anniversary, darling.
Happy anniversary.
Kiss. Kiss.
Biji.
It's their anniversary,
they have to kiss.
It's a tradition.
(crowd cheers)
[Guests] Happy anniversary.
Harry is lucky.
No screaming wife and kids.
So where's Mrs. Mehta tonight?
Somewhere around.
Cheers.
So how's the company coming along?
There's the Ajay we know.
And, put up with.
Soon.
Oh, Harry, you made it.
Another year for the happy couple?
[Ajay] Preeti, this is
Kim, my new secretary.
I love your home.
Hi.
I guess I'll go check on the appetizers.
So, Kim, where did you work before this?
What is wrong with you?
Why are you being so nice?
Shhh, I, I just don't
wanna create a scene.
Okay? Please.
That's okay.
I need to solve
Really, you really want to go back?
Durga, can you stop with this tic tic?
Here, let me fix this.
So much money wasted on
these Bharat Natyam classes.
Durga, Vishwa, you look so grown up.
Hi.
Hello.
See, isn't it great
that he has a better head
of hair than his father?
Congratulations and anniversary
wishes to you, Preeti.
Thank you. Thank you.
Help me find a nice girl now for Vishwa,
before he runs off with an American.
Okay.
Let's go get some cake.
Do.
Let me look at this bracelet.
It's absolutely gorgeous.
Ajay does have good taste.
He does know how to give gifts.
Expensive gifts.
Maybe Nagarajan can learn a thing or two.
And look at this beautiful dress.
It's lovely.
You look fantastic.
My mom sent a Sari
and this is what I saw.
Wait, you made this?
Can you believe it?
It's so beautiful.
I don't know why she doesn't wear
the designer dresses I buy her.
Your wife is so talented, Ajay,
and she saves you so much money.
She is, and I'm a very lucky man.
You know what?
I think I'll go get us all a drink.
I'll help you.
Good seeing you.
Thank you so much for coming.
Take care. Bye.
Heading out, now.
Missed you.
Also, look..
Oh, hey Miku Beta.
Hey, hey, mom. Congrats.
How's the party?
We missed you.
Mallika, come home already.
Hey dad. I'll be there
right after my finals.
Bye sweetie.
- Wait.
- See you then.
Wait, I was talking to her.
Guests need you.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Yeah, but we could have
had this party next week.
[Kim] Good night.
Good night.
[Ajay] I'll walk you to the car.
(solemn music)
Ready for my anniversary present?
I'm tired.
Come here.
I'll do all the work.
Please, Ajay.
I'm making Chai.
I shelled out for this.
You were outside a long time.
So?
What?
Sonia noticed,
everyone else must have noticed.
What about Harry?
What about Harry?
He's always sniffing
around you like a dog.
Please, Ajay.
You think everybody else is blind?
(scoffs) I don't give a
fuck of what people think.
You brought her into our home.
What if Mallika brings
home an old man like you?
Huh?
(Preeti gasps)
(somber music)
(phone rings)
(knocks on door)
(somber music continues)
Harry.
You didn't have to come over.
Is he back?
Pack your bags.
You can't stay here.
I still have to clean up.
If you stay here,
you're going to get hurt,
again.
I think we both have a pretty
good idea of where he is.
You don't want to sit here and wait.
Please.
I don't want you to be alone.
(somber music)
That son of a bitch.
I'm sure he regrets what he did.
Are you kidding right now?
You have to kick him out.
Kick out her husband?
Are you mad?
(phone rings)
There.
He's calling, probably to apologize.
Revathi, Ajay hit his wife
and spent the night with his mistress.
This is between husband and wife, okay?
Preeti, you just need to
learn how to deal with him.
Yeah?
Just be cool water when
they become like this.
You can't fight fire with fire.
No.
Preeti has been the cool water
for the last 30 fucking years.
Look where it got her.
[Revathi] Just give him
one chance to apologize.
Preeti,
do you love him?
That is irrelevant.
(phone rings)
Preeti.
(phone rings)
No.
He crossed a line.
You can't let him weasel his way back in.
Don't do it.
God intended you to be together.
Ajay's only human.
He's trying his best to provide for you,
provide for Mallika.
You live in a beautiful house.
You have status.
I don't need a beautiful home.
He can keep it.
But you can't live here
in this bachelor pad.
Come live with us for a few days.
Preeti, there is no reason
for you to give up your home.
You both own it, don't you?
I, I don't know.
Okay.
You know what?
Let's go to a spa.
Spend Ajay's money.
Don't you have to get to work?
I do.
I'll see you at the
Goyal engagement, right?
It'll cheer you up.
You know, Rachna's husband,
he pushed her down the stairs.
Now that's a couple with problems.
This was just a slap, Preeti.
Forgive him.
Here, call this service.
They're open 24/7.
This is extreme.
It's his house too.
[Ajay] Preeti,
my key's not working.
(Ajay pounding on door)
I changed the locks.
[Ajay] What?
I changed the locks.
[Ajay] Open the door, Preeti.
No.
[Ajay] Are you crazy?
I'm your husband.
Look,
I know I'm not the easiest.
I apologize about my temper last night.
I'm really sorry, Preeti.
Just think of Mallika.
We are a family, Preeti.
We can work it out.
Just, just let me in, please.
Open the door.
(door bangs)
Open the door, Preeti.
You think you can kick
me out of my own house?
You are insane.
I'll make sure Mallika
knows her mother's crazy.
Stop saying that.
You're making a huge mistake.
I made a mistake when I married you.
You'll want me back.
I'll be there and I'll forgive you.
(sullen music)
[Mallika] Hello, hello.
This is Mallika.
Make it short, make it
sweet or I'll delete.
(sullen music continues)
(sullen music continues)
(bright Indian music)
(knocks on door)
It's so nice to see you.
You all right?
It's a relief actually.
You look nice.
Want some Chai?
I just swung by to
see if you wanted a ride
to the Goyal thing.
No, I, I can't risk running into Ajay.
He's not that stupid.
Is he?
You know how people talk.
They love it when things go off the rails.
Ignore the gossip.
Didn't you design the bride's dresses?
Yeah, and I had to ask
them to pay me secretly
so Ajay wouldn't find out.
Have you ever thought
of making a go of it?
Your own business?
I mean, this is a great
opportunity to show off your work.
Oh, come on.
You have to see for yourself
how stunning the bride looks
in an outfit made by you.
Hmm?
Okay. Give me a few minutes?
(bright Indian music)
Can you help me?
(phone rings)
Don't let him ruin your evening.
Want a ride?
No, I'll drive myself.
(lively music)
I am sure Mrs. Puri
is going to take her
drink extra strong today.
Her daughter came back
from Bali, pregnant.
Who did it? Tell me.
Hi. Congratulations.
You have done outstanding job
of designing my daughter's lenhga.
I got so many compliments.
She looks like a princess.
I, I do want to design
her wedding lenhga.
Yes, of course.
We'll get you the work.
And how are you?
Preeti, I need to show you something.
Come.
(bright music)
Mallika.
She drove down today,
just to surprise you.
Look at them.
So adorable together.
You don't wanna destroy this.
I'm destroying this?
It's in your hands, Preeti.
Preeti, Preeti.
Preeti, don't go.
There's my lovely wife.
Darling.
I was looking for you.
Ajay.
Come see your daughter play.
We've been practicing.
Please don't create a scene.
I just need to talk to you.
Ajay, use some
self-control for God's sake.
Please
That's ironic coming from you.
Let go of my arm.
Preeti, I need
You heard her, back off, man.
I see you.
Ajay, it's someone else's party.
Calm down, man.
Preeti.
Ajay.
You want me to tell everybody
about your little Me Too?
That's waiting to happen.
Preeti, please.
Come on.
Just, just, hear me out.
Complete fucking sociopath!
All I need is a moment
of your time, Preeti.
Preeti, come on.
Hear me out.
Hey.
Harry, can you get my purse please?
Sure.
I didn't even know Mallika
was going to be here.
You are filing a restraining
order in the morning.
What about Mallika?
Preeti, this is only going to escalate.
With the restraining order, he can't come
within 100 yards of you.
You know, when I got
married, my mother said
a girl goes to her husband's
house in a wedding carriage
and leaves only in a coffin.
Well.
I'm not planning on going to
your funeral anytime soon.
So, why did you not
wanna eat at the Goyals?
I wanted to have dinner.
Just us.
Okay. Where is mom?
I don't know.
Is she coming?
She's not, Beta.
But your mother has been pulling away.
What do you mean?
Many years ago,
she tried to leave me.
Okay, there has to be more to the story.
Ask her
where she was the night
after the anniversary party.
[Waiter] Here's some bread for starters.
[Ajay] Thank you.
(lively music)
(knocks on door)
Miku.
What a surprise.
Come.
You're home early.
Yeah, I, I,
I thought about giving you a
surprise at the Menhdi party.
I know.
I, I'm, sorry, I couldn't stay.
- I, I got it.
- No, I got it.
Okay.
Mom, wait.
I, I need to ask you something.
Does Dad not live here anymore?
I...
I, I'll explain, please.
When were you gonna tell me?
I have left you messages.
I've been trying to call you.
Are you cheating on him?
Why would you even say that?
Where were you the night
after the anniversary party?
What?
Dad said you were seeing someone.
I, I was at Harry Uncle's,
but it's not like that.
What is it like then?
(sullen music)
It, it, it's complicated.
The truth, mom.
Miku, Miku.
Please, don't leave.
(sullen music)
[Mallika] Hello, hello.
This is Mallika.
Please leave a message.
(gentle music)
Hey, Vishwa, when you see Mallika,
can you please have her call me?
Thanks. Bye.
(phone dings)
(notification dings)
(light music)
(phone rings)
[Jyoti] Preeti, we
missed you last night.
Hi, Jyoti.
I, I wasn't invited.
[Jyoti] Oh, you poor thing.
I'm so sorry.
It's okay.
[Jyoti] I didn't realize.
No, no. Really.
It's okay. I'm fine.
[Jyoti] Ajay was here.
Have you guys spoken?
Hey, Jyoti, I'm getting another call.
We'll talk later.
Okay. Bye.
Hi, Preeti. I'm sorry.
I'm going to have to cancel the order.
Esha has decided to go with
a local designer instead.
Hope you are doing okay.
If you need anything
during this difficult time,
let me know.
Do you know what was a difficult time?
The 30 years you spent married to him.
Natasha and Simran also
canceled their orders.
I'm just worried about Mallika.
Mallika will come around.
All the bills are starting to come in,
and he canceled all the accounts.
Preeti, file for divorce.
I can get you money.
Divorce will get everybody else talking.
Do I care about what
people think about me?
You are braver than I am.
Okay.
Start with this.
He won't be able to come
within 100 yards of you.
I, I don't know, Harry.
I,
I should get a job.
[Harry] What you need is for
someone to take care of you.
You know, as long as I can remember,
I've always been.
Ajay's wife or Mallika's mom.
I can't remember the last
time I was Preeti, you know?
There's no job section in the Chronicle.
Where do people find jobs?
[Sonia] They use
Linkedln and it's not 1993.
Linkedln.
Current position?
(excited music)
On the couch.
[Sonia] Start simple.
Google jobs with no experience in my area.
[Preeti] Jobs near me.
(excited music)
Do you speak Punjabi?
No.
Oh, but I have Punjabi friends.
Hmm.
See, we are very, very busy.
(lively music)
How many shirt you can make in one hour?
Oh.
(interviewer speaks in foreign language)
I don't know how many
I can make in one hour.
What your husband do?
Oh, but I design clothes,
Design?
(lively music)
[Interviewer] Online presence?
I'm sorry?
Are you online? Like social media?
I have a Facebook account, yes.
IG?
You, you don't know what Instagram is?
Oh, I'm all over Instagram.
If you were to rate your
admin skills on a scale
of one to 10,
what would that number be?
(light music)
Two.
(jazz music)
Ugh.
Ugh, are you okay, Miss?
May I help you?
I'm fine. I think.
Let me, let me give you a hand.
I'm so sorry.
There you go.
Let me grab this, hold on.
There you go.
I'm gonna take you right over here.
Be careful.
(jazz music continues)
Sit right there.
May I?
Thank you.
Oh.
Okay, sorry.
It's not my ankle.
It's my knee.
I'm really sorry.
My bar back will get an earful.
It's an old injury.
I, I usually wear a brace.
Hold on, I got something for that.
Where's that brace?
You know, we have something in common.
We do?
Bad knees. (Chuckles)
We're old.
You couldn't be a day over, what?
29?
Mine's a soccer injury.
Yours?
Oh, I, I don't remember.
Oh, you know what?
I have a pain balm I could get for you.
No, no, no. That's okay.
Have you been in here before?
I would definitely have noticed you.
My daughter, she's a singer.
Mallika.
- Ah.
- You know her?
She's your baby?
The audience loves her.
Charm must run in the family.
Is she here?
Not yet.
I'm Jackson Simmons.
I'm the owner.
Oh. Hi Jackson.
I'm Preeti.
Nice to meet you.
Hi. Preeti.
Do you mind if I get you a drink?
It's on me.
It's the least I can do.
Thank you.
(excited music)
Finest painkiller.
Tequila sunrise.
It looks like more of a sunset to me.
I've always found sunsets
to be more magical.
Well, for you, Tequila Sunset.
Hey.
- Miku.
Really?
Oh.
Ladies, I'm gonna, I gotta...
What are you talking to Jackson about?
Nothing.
I, I'm waiting for you.
You're stalking me.
No, I want to talk to you.
Please. Miku.
My name is Mallika.
Mallika, can we talk after the show?
I have plans.
Hey, sorry, I'm late.
[Preeti] Hey, you made it.
What did I miss?
Can I get you ladies
anything from the bar?
Martini, Dry.
Another Sunset, Ms. Pretty?
Sure.
And I will have one of
each, whatever they're having.
Raves!
Her son is also in the band.
Yeah, I know Vish.
Okay.
Ladies, your drinks will be right up.
Thank you.
- Hey.
- Hey.
How's the job search?
Ugh, I've never felt so
old, ugly, and inexperienced.
Revathi helped me write my resume.
Not much to say there though.
You have a degree in design.
From India.
And my work experience is housewife.
You know, you can
always go back to Ajay.
Listen, lead with your strengths.
You are an incredibly creative person.
In fact, my friend Erica
has a boutique in the city.
I'm gonna put you in touch with her.
That would be great.
Big moves.
Don't forget about us little people
once you're big and famous.
There, I sent you her number.
Thanks.
How's Brenda?
Tell me something.
Doesn't it bother Biji
that you live with a woman?
She's okay with it.
Are you okay with it?
Because sometimes, I think
you're not okay with it.
Can I get the loaded potato skins please?
Absolutely.
Mini quesadillas?
I'll just share. Thank you.
Be right back.
Well, I'll take a nice
ass over love any day.
I would like to make a toast
to Preeti's newfound freedom.
To long lasting marriages.
To good friends.
Speaking of good friends,
don't be surprised if
they stop inviting you.
Why?
They're afraid you'll
steal their husbands.
Oh, because in our community,
being single is a crime.
Hmm, it's getting hot in here.
What is going on with you?
Are you not getting enough at home?
Sex is so overrated.
You know, Durga is
either talking to boys
or she's talking about them.
And when she's not talking about that,
she's talking about taking
these American dance classes.
That's really normal.
I've been telling her,
stop flaunting your body.
Take your studies seriously.
[Sonia] She's a teenager.
But she just won't listen to me.
I think I just need to move back to India.
Not again.
What, what if she
becomes a vagabond artist?
Vagabond?
And what if Vishwa comes
home with a white girl
or a Black girl?
Shhh.
Stop her.
And, and, and arrange
their marriages in India?
Yeah.
She's gonna marry Durga
to a nice Brahman boy whose
mother still does his laundry.
I'd be okay with that.
Okay, no matter who they bring home,
our boys should be taught
to treat their women right.
Mmm. That looks good.
Tofu on the house.
Thank you.
Oh, here they come.
(audience applauds)
Woo!
Hey, everyone.
I am Mallika.
And this is an original.
(gentle music)
You said that keeping secrets
Can break a heart in two
So why have you been dancing
Around and round the truth
Maybe you have your reasons
But I don't even care to hear them
'Cause your eyes have
been speaking for you.
The you that I knew
The you that I knew wouldn't cave
The you that I knew wouldn't cave
Now my new point of
view is not the same
It'll never be the same
Thank you.
(audience applauds)
Thanks, everyone.
We'll be right back.
(upbeat music)
Okay. I have a joke.
What do a dildo and tofu have in common?
Checks, please?
No, no, no.
One more round.
This one's on me.
This one's on me.
Okay, the answer is
The, the drink was
lovely and so was the food.
Thank you so much.
You are welcome.
Is Mallika going to sing again?
No, I, I actually
think she left already.
But, here's the pain balm that I promised.
Give it a try, yeah?
Thank you.
Mmm. Gardenia.
It reminds me of India.
I'm glad you like it.
Thank you.
Oh, have a good night, ladies.
Jackson's giving you the love potion?
No, it's just a pain balm.
(alarm beeps)
(excited music)
Hi, how can I help you?
Hi.
I'm here to see Ms. Erica
Chan about my designs.
Ms. Chan is tied up at the moment.
Leave your samples, we'll be in touch
I don't have samples,
but I have designs.
Come back when you have samples.
I, I drove an hour to get here.
Ms. Chan runs a tight ship,
no exceptions.
Good day.
Amateurs.
[Mallika] Hello, hello.
This is Mallika.
Please leave a message.
Hey, Miku, it's me again.
Would love to talk to you.
Call me please.
I miss you.
[Sonia] How did it go?
Not good.
[Sonia] Well, on a scale of one to
On a scale of one to
should I take Ajay back?
Maybe I should take Ajay back.
[Sonia] Okay, you're being dramatic.
This is just one interview.
There will be many.
Hey Sonia, can I call you back?
(excited music)
Hmm.
So punch in over there and don't forget
'cause it's a pain in the ass
if I have to fix your time card.
When do I start?
Tomorrow.
7:00 AM.
Remember, customer's always right.
You can fill out the paperwork tomorrow.
Hmm.
Any questions?
I'm Susan, you can call me Sue.
Hi, I am Preeti.
You can call me Pretty.
Welcome to the shit hole.
I'm sorry?
Ah, girl, don't be.
I'm used to this.
This is stuck.
Oh, here, let me help.
Oh.
Oh my gosh, my bad.
Is this a Aloo Gobhi?
Girl, Indian food is the bomb.
Oh, you, you like it?
I'm, I'm happy to share with you.
Yeah, maybe for lunch.
Hey, what's this mess?
Oh, I'm sorry.
[Sue] I spilled my lunch.
You made Aloo Gobhi?
It's none your business.
Well, clean it up.
Ugh.
Grade A asshole.
Don't let him push you around.
He's a bit of a wuss under that shell.
This is not scanning.
It doesn't have a bar code.
I've explained this three times.
So you just push this button here.
It'll bring up the menu
and you can select which
vegetable you need.
Okay. Okay.
This has a bar code, but
it's not, it's not scanning.
You just turn around like this
and the scanner picks up the bar code.
It's not that hard.
It's not rocket science.
I've been waiting here for so long.
- I'm so sorry.
- Go take lunch.
I'll take it from here.
Go take lunch.
Thank you.
Sorry about that, ma'am.
(somber music)
[Sue] I saw that.
Girl, don't let him get to you.
He's not worth it.
I just don't wanna get
fired for my first job.
Your first job?
Well,
girl, soon you'll be able to
do this with your eyes closed
and then you'll hate
yourself for working here.
Either way, you lose.
(somber music continues)
When did you become a vegetarian?
All my life.
There's so much variety in Indian food.
My husband tried to convert me.
He forced me to eat meat.
Have you considered
talking to someone about it?
I have friends.
Like a professional.
This sounds like some serious abuse.
There's also coercion,
isolation, gas lighting.
But talking to someone helps.
I don't know.
I, I, I'm not brave enough for therapy.
Well, you got some
badass status in my book.
(somber music)
(phone dings)
Therapist?
Just in case you need it.
I don't feel so badass.
I,
I wasted an opportunity
at a boutique the other day.
I feel really bad.
So go get it back then.
It's not that easy.
Fake it until you make it, girl.
(both laugh)
(lively Indian music)
(knocks on door)
Hi Preeti. Come on in.
Happy Birthday!
(all laugh)
Surprise!
Thank you. Thank you.
Happy birthday.
Three women walk into a bar.
Ah, a bar...
How's the new job?
An Indian lady yelled at me.
You know, I can have my
father look at your horoscope.
My father said that my horoscope
matched perfectly with the Ajay's.
Go figure.
They just bribe the pundit
to change the horoscope.
Or
marry a tree before marrying a person.
See, that actually works, okay?
'Cause the tree absorbs the bad luck
and the husband lives.
Anyone want Chai?
Chai?
We're celebrating
and I don't like to see empty glasses.
Hey,
she'll call.
She hasn't called in weeks.
She will.
I got my first paycheck today.
There are so many deductions, oh my God.
Okay.
What, what is this?
What is this and what is that?
You weren't lying about your pay.
Show me.
This is what you make?
In two weeks?
It barely pays for gas and food
and I, I don't know how people survive.
What about the money
you make sewing clothes?
I've been struggling getting orders.
It's just,
I guess it's gonna be a dream
that will not come true.
Well, if you're struggling
doing what you don't like,
you might as well be
struggling doing what you love.
We all make compromises, Preeti.
And you can save some money
by renting out your place.
Selling or renting a joint
ownership is not an option.
I guess when Mallika's older.
It's going to be hard to
find a boy for Mallika now.
Preeti just give Ajay another chance.
For your daughter's sake.
No, he's an abuser.
Mallika is quite capable of
finding someone for herself.
Huh, coming from the most
eligible bachelor in town.
How come you haven't found anyone?
How do you know I haven't?
Huh?
Hi, I was here a few weeks ago.
Can I talk to Erica Chan please?
She's really busy right now.
Monica, I need the stitching redone.
Oh, hi, Ms. Chan.
I'm a friend of Sonia Singh.
Hi. Yes.
It's nice to meet you.
I'm sorry, I meant to
respond to your email,
but we have a fashion show coming up,
so if you wanna leave your
samples with my assistant.
Actually, actually,
can I just show you one?
I, I promise.
Just one.
Monica, I need the
stitching done at 601.
Pale lavender.
This is fine silk from
India hand dyed by me.
Where did you get the pattern?
Oh, it's my original.
Here's another one.
It's very creative.
How much inventory do you have?
Sorry?
How many dresses do you have on hand?
I brought all my pieces,
including this one.
How many seamstresses?
I make everything in my home,
all by myself.
What is your cost per dress?
I'm sorry, your designs are beautiful,
but you haven't figured out
your business model yet.
Actually, I've been
crunching the numbers
and I can send them to
you by the end of the day.
Leave two samples.
I'll see what I can do.
Great. Thank you.
Erica rarely takes on anyone new.
Start crunching those numbers.
Here.
Two, three?
- That's fine.
- Okay.
Amma.
You don't have to iron jeans.
It's, it's okay.
Okay.
(phone rings)
Hey, how's work going?
The same, but I'm designing a new dress.
They don't make silk like they used to.
Back in design school, we
used to dye our own fabric.
I remember we would
haggle with the bhaiyas
in the Kanpur heat all day
and go back and dip the fabric
and watch the colors bloom.
Arrey, all the bhaiyas are online now.
I'll send you a link.
[Preeti] Online?
Yeah. Yeah.
You can order everything,
whatever you want.
Is Vish home?
Can he convince Mallika to talk to me?
Actually, can we leave Vish out of this?
He's so innocent.
Besides, Vish and Mallika are
going to LA today for a gig.
(knocks on door)
They are?
For how long?
Four days, I think.
Revathi, I'll call you back.
Jackson.
- You forgot this.
Oh, thank you.
I had forgotten about this.
How did you
Oh, I dropped off Mallika
from a late shift once.
I'm not stalking you, I promise.
Whoa.
And, I know you like Gardenias, yeah?
Thank you so much.
You know my weakness.
And voila.
New and improved pain balm
for my favorite client.
You remembered.
I guess I'm not gonna sue you anymore.
So I can have my gifts back.
No.
(both laugh)
I, I, I just, I don't
know how to thank you.
You know, there's this
really good dessert I like,
I think it's called Gallub Jamun.
- Gulab Jamun.
- Yes.
You're looking at the best
Gulab Jamun maker in town.
What? Can you teach me?
[Preeti] Of course.
I'll share my peach pie
secret recipe with you.
- Mallika's favorite?
- Mallika's favorite.
You know that?
Mallu's got good taste.
Mallu?
When is Mallika going
to be at the bar again?
Thursday.
[Preeti] Hmm?
You gonna join us?
Maybe.
(phone dings)
Oh.
Jackson, I have to go.
I, I'm so sorry.
I didn't mean to make
you feel uncomfortable.
No, you didn't.
But, but I, I need to leave.
I'm really sorry.
Wait, so I'll see you.
I'll see you Thursday?
- Sorry.
- All right, yeah.
(sullen music)
(phone rings)
Ms. Chan. Hello.
[Erica] Please, call me Erica.
I saw your numbers.
I have a monthly Popup
boutique in my studio.
Designers line up for months,
but one of them canceled,
so I have a spot.
Oh, great. Thank you.
[Erica] Do you have enough inventory?
No, I, I, I mean, yes,
I can make a dress in four hours.
I have access to a wholesale market
and I can hire extra
help and deliver on time.
[Erica] I'm happy to
feature you in my next Popup.
Popup?
I mean, what do I have to do?
[Erica] You'll be the
featured designer for a day.
You'd have to make enough dresses
to make it worth your while.
How many?
[Erica] At least 45.
It's on the 16th of next month.
That's,
16th that's,
that's, that's three weeks.
[Erica] Is it a problem?
No, no. No problem at all.
I will have it ready on time.
[Erica] Great.
I'll send you the details.
45 times 200.
That's 9,000 plus.
It's a gorgeous necklace.
My parents gave it to me at my wedding.
I designed it with the
help of our family jeweler.
Family jeweler?
It's called a Mangalsutra.
A symbol of long lasting marriage.
Ooh.
Girl, maybe its time to
let that necklace go.
(phone dings)
My daughter.
She's very artsy.
Ooh.
Is she in daycare?
I can't afford daycare.
My mama takes care of my kids.
So your husband also works?
That deadbeat hasn't
shown up for months.
Guess what?
My husband is also a deadbeat.
(both laughs)
I wondered why a rich woman
like you would work here.
Can you take me to that
wholesale fabric market
that your mom goes to?
Break up the party and get back to work?
(both laughs)
(sullen music)
I think of you all the time.
You are not supposed to be here.
I, I paid this month's mortgage
so you can pursue your sewing hobby.
You don't have to work in this dump.
It's not a hobby and I have work to do.
Focus on being creative.
You don't know how to run a business.
Let me be your investor,
your partner.
What do you think, Preeti?
(sullen music continues)
You haven't thought things through.
I will earn my own money and,
I like gardenias.
(sullen music continues)
Oh, hello, Preeti.
How are you?
Hey.
I have a nice two-karat diamond
I'd like to show you.
Actually, I, I want to sell these.
Oh.
I guess Ajay is not paying his bills.
He just bought this last year.
I, I need cash.
Ajay loved this so much,
he bought two of them.
I know.
You can buy it back anytime you want.
You take care.
Thank you.
Hey, isn't that Ajay Kumar's wife?
Oh.
(Preeti sobs)
(gentle music)
We don't open for another hour.
It's me.
Hey, what time is Mallika
performing tonight?
She canceled.
Okay.
Well, have a nice day.
Cool.
Listen, I'm so sorry for
acting weird the other day,
but I love the gardenias.
You don't have to explain.
I showed up to your house unexpected.
No, no, no.
It's just...
A lot going on in my life right now.
And I know it's not an excuse, but
I just wanted you to know.
You wanna talk about it?
I'm a great listener.
(sighs) Where do I even begin?
Well,
this might help.
(upbeat music)
Now, this other Indian movie.
Another Indian movie?
Oh yeah. I'm a big fan.
Now, the bride chooses
the groom by putting
a, a, a garland around
him, but it was arranged?
Mm-hmm.
So, the girl gets to choose a guy
who has already been chosen for her?
Right.
Well, what if the guy says no?
And walk away from a dowry
and a lifelong servant?
A dowry and a servant.
Yeah, that sounds like a good deal to me.
It wasn't.
Oh.
(jazz music)
Is there something you
wanted to talk to me about?
There's a this boutique that has offered
to feature my designs.
Okay.
But I don't think I'll be ready in time.
Well, you just need to hire some help.
How would I even do that?
Give me your email and phone number.
Okay.
(jazz music continues)
And what's the name of your business?
I, I don't have one.
Let's get you a name.
Preeti's uh, Boutique.
Preeti's Creations.
Preeti's Designs.
Designed by Preeti.
That's it.
Designed by Preeti.
[Jackson] You are in business.
All right.
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music continues)
You think you bought enough buttons?
I guess I got carried away.
Well, you were a
bargaining badass today.
Well, I grew up in India.
So have you heard from the deadbeat?
No, not since he came to the store last.
But, I have a new friend
who's been teaching me
how to do business.
Well, it takes a village.
[Biji] It's been so
long since I've seen you.
I know, between the
seamstresses in the morning
and the grocery store in the afternoon.
But I'm looking forward
to some home cooked food.
I made Aloo Paratha, especially for you.
Your Aloo Paratha will make us fart.
Keep your farts quiet then.
We have news!
We're getting married.
Congratulations.
Those are beautiful.
Took them long enough.
I had to threaten them
before they decided.
I must have done something
good in my last life.
Learned how to cook.
Chup.
Well, this calls for a toast.
Here's to new beginnings.
So,
have you thought about
filing for divorce?
Mrs. Sharma's neighbor
got so badly beaten up by
her husband she may die.
Biji!
Biji, you told me about some pants
that you used to cut on a bias.
Can you show me how to do that?
Very easy.
I used to make them for Sonia all the time
before she went all lawyer on me.
You know, in our village,
we never had any tailors,
so we sewed our own clothes.
Here, let me show you.
Let me show you.
Oh, now?
Oh, no.
(solemn music)
Have a wonderful day.
Thank you.
And how are you today?
Doing fantastic. How about you?
Just great.
You saved $2.12 cents,
Mr. Horse.
Horse Dick?
It's actually Horace,
Horace Dick.
Have a wonderful day.
Thank you for your business.
Harry. Hi.
I was in the area.
Thought I'd say hello.
Heard the great news.
You know, my break is
coming up in 10 minutes.
I can meet you at the Donut
King around the corner.
I'll see you there.
Um, can I order you anything?
Chai Latte.
With soy milk?
[Preeti] You got it.
Ooooh, Preeti's got a boyfriend.
He's just a friend.
My friends don't look at me like that.
(bright music)
I ordered one of everything.
You're so silly.
I bring my own lunch.
Oh, wow.
Do you wanna try it?
Sure.
So how many patients did you kill today?
How many customers
have yelled at you today?
Kadhi, wow!
How lucky can a man get? Huh?
Congratulations, by the
way, on your boutique show.
Thank you.
Harry, I can't afford to fail.
Why don't you just quit your job?
No.
It just breaks my heart
to see you work at a grocery store.
Well, it pays some of the bills.
It's...
It's demeaning.
You deserve so much better.
Look, you know I'd do anything for you.
Harry, I, I,
I'm sorry.
I don't have the same
feelings you have for me.
I cherish your friendship, but please.
Sorry, I made assumptions.
Look, I
I gotta go.
No, listen, I, I...
Harry.
(somber music)
(knocks on door)
Miku, you are home.
Don't get excited.
I'm just here to pick up some stuff.
We need to talk.
There's nothing to talk about.
- Just you and I-
- What?
Listen to me, please.
Have you been seeing other men?
No. Never.
Then why would dad lie?
It's because your dad
has been having affairs
for many years.
That's not true.
He, he loves you.
Why would I lie?
Why didn't you tell me?
Because you two are close
and, and he loves you.
Only when he hit me
Wait, he hit you?
That's when I changed the locks.
If you knew about dad's
affairs, then why did you stay?
The last time I left,
he sent you off to boarding school.
I didn't wanna go back to India
and, and, and have everyone
pity me and my daughter.
Do Nana and Nani know?
I didn't want to bring
shame to my family.
What do you mean?
Look,
when you were born,
Ajay's family would not even talk to me
because I gave birth to a girl.
I put up with the insults
just, just to keep Ajay happy.
(droning music)
Has he hit you before?
Yeah.
(droning music continues)
I love you, mom.
(droning music continues)
With emotional abuse,
there are no bruises, no evidence.
It's silent trauma.
For some,
it's like a box
deep in our psyche that
we don't dare open.
Only when we're ready and in a safe
and supportive environment
can we begin to unpack it.
In silence, we are isolated,
driven by fear, plagued by self-doubt.
It's okay to feel like your
community abandoned you,
like nobody understands.
But I want you to know you are not alone.
Not here.
(light music)
Durga.
Prasadam.
Here.
Can I have a whole laddu?
No, you can't.
You're gonna get fat.
Take those earphones off.
Mom.
All this dancing is not
going to get you anywhere.
Go cover those legs.
How would you know?
How did I miss the signs?
Your mom wanted to protect you.
I guess.
But she has really suffered a lot.
If I had any idea, I
would've supported her or,
and he wouldn't have been able
Hey, hey.
You were a child.
Let that go.
He hit her.
Vishwa,
Prasadam.
(bright music)
We finally got you trained
and you're out the door.
There you go.
Well, good luck.
Thank you.
You were the only same
person in this shit hole.
Who am I gonna bitch to?
You made this?
For Hailey.
Her first designer dress.
You better not forget
me when you're famous.
Never.
(gentle music)
Ready for accounting 101?
If you're ready for a Gulab Jamun feast.
Welcome to my office.
Well, I have some good news.
[Jackson] Yeah?
Mallika is finally talking to me.
Fantastic news.
You know what that calls
for, a celebration?
Mm, you brought out the good stuff.
You're not gonna sue
me so I can afford it.
(both chuckle)
So how's your knee?
Well, it's a long story.
I got time.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
(jazz music)
When Mallika was seven years old,
my husband threw a bottle
of wine in a fit of rage.
It caught my knee.
So, I left home
for a whole day.
I sat by the ocean.
It was so peaceful.
No yelling, no screaming.
But I forgot to pick her up from school.
And I get that.
When I got home, they were
both sitting on the couch.
She tried to run to me,
but he held her back.
He wouldn't let her hug me.
He said I was, I was an unfit mother.
So he sent her off to boarding school.
[Jackson] To punish you?
I blame myself.
No, no, no, no, no.
It is not your fault.
You are a Queen.
Don't you ever forget that.
(brooding music)
Hey.
I, I, I can't do this.
This is wrong.
- Wait.
- No, this is, this is wrong.
Wait.
Preeti.
Preeti.
(solemn music)
What have I become?
I'm okay with not fasting
for my husband's long life.
A tradition I've followed
since I got married.
So?
Ajay has always provided for us.
That's not enough.
I have feelings
that I've never felt before.
You are becoming your own person.
(speaker chanting in foreign language)
- Hi.
- Hello.
(speaker speaks in foreign language)
Hi, Preeti.
Why didn't you come for Karva Chauth?
Not fasting for Ajay's long life anymore?
This is why.
Where did you get that?
It's all over the chat group, Preeti.
I know, you barely check it anymore
since you've gotten so
busy with other things.
Busy. What?
Nothing happened.
Revathi, please.
Are you snooping on me?
Preeti, all these photos
are all over the chat group.
How could you stoop so low?
You are having an affair?
With a Black man?
A bartender?
No, I'm not having an affair.
Actually, this explains everything.
Like mother, like daughter.
What has Mallika got to do with this?
Your daughter has
taken my son's innocence.
Please.
Just tell her to stay the
heck away from him, okay?
(brooding music)
No, no, no, no, no!
(brooding music continues)
Oh God.
I heard about the photos.
I was a fool to listen to you.
I, I know how you feel
Do you?
Preeti,
he hit you.
We both know that's not okay.
I had a decent life
and now I'm being shamed
by the entire community.
You don't think I know how that feels?
You keep your fiance
hidden in your house.
Wow.
Okay.
Ma'am, the others have
not shown up to work yet.
Why?
They have heard the rumors.
Just go home.
I'll pay you for the whole day.
(somber music)
[Erica] House of Erica.
Leave a message.
Miss Erica.
This is Preeti.
I don't think I'll be finished in time.
I'm sorry.
(somber music continues)
Mom.
I'm going to the store.
You want anything?
What happened with Sonia auntie?
The fabric is all cut up.
The seamstresses are gone.
Those photos.
Listen, I'm gonna go grab us some food
and once I'm back, we're gonna fix this.
(somber music)
Preeti, please,
hear me out.
I've, I've come to apologize.
Can we just talk for Mallika's sake?
Will you say something?
What do you want?
I see you're committed to your business.
I get it now.
I wanna support you.
No strings attached.
This will cover your expenses.
Do you need more?
You won't owe me a thing.
I want us to be a family again.
It's too late.
I miss you, Janu.
Could, could I get a,
could I get some water?
He is giving you money?
How much is it?
Enough to cover all the expenses.
Don't do it, mom.
You cannot take him back.
We can buy more fabric,
but you just cannot take him back.
You know, he destroyed your fabric.
(somber music)
You cut up the fabric.
What?
The fabric on the porch.
You destroyed it.
Preeti, please.
My life is a mess right now.
But what you did
and what you've done over the years...
You may be Mallika's father,
but my life is better without you.
Leave.
(sullen music)
Miku.
(sullen music continues)
Many of us are in denial.
In our minds,
we have created a dream
and live as if it is true.
We have to let go of this illusion.
In order to heal,
we have to accept the truth.
Anyone interested in sharing?
(gentle music)
Anyone?
(gentle music continues)
For years, I've, I've had this feeling
that if I let my guard
down, even for a moment,
that, that everything will fall apart.
I'm always looking over my shoulder.
My husband convinced
me that I'm a failure.
You only fail if you quit.
I've cut him out of my life.
But what if he's right?
What if, in this whole process
of trying to figure out who I really am,
I realize I'm nobody?
I want to set a good
example for my daughter
by not giving up,
but.
I'm still afraid.
(solemn music)
Fear is just the starting point.
Action dissolves it.
(solemn music continues)
Oh.
I love you and Sonia.
You've come through
the storm with grace.
You should be proud.
I wanted a normal life for Mallika
and I ended up ruining it.
Normal is overrated.
Both of you will be
better off without Ajay.
I am so proud of you.
You're proud of me?
Yes.
For not putting your worth in his hands.
These beautiful dresses
are an extension of you.
They sparkle because of you.
You could change the lines on your hand
if you're willing to.
Mallika?
(bright music)
You are all back.
(bright music continues)
All right, we're gonna need
to work around the clock.
We will get this done.
Together.
I need, I told Erica
Sonia will take care of it.
(bright music continues)
Hi, Kavita.
Oh, hi Preeti.
You came to take your jewelry back?
No, actually,
I want to sell this.
Oh, you keep it.
I, I'll, I'll loan you the money.
I have no use for it.
(gentle music)
What are you doing here?
If your husband cheated on you,
hit you, destroyed your
relationship with your child,
how long would you put up with it?
I came here to tell you
that my daughter and your son are in love
and she hasn't stolen anything from him
that he wasn't willing to give.
I don't wanna hear any of it.
Please leave.
(gentle music)
We did not find the love we deserved,
but our children did.
We gave up our dreams
and ignored our needs for so long.
I am moving on, Revathi.
Are you?
(gentle music continues)
[Reporter] 27 balls since the last run.
India. (Indistinct)
(solemn music)
(bright music)
I am so sorry
for how I behaved the other day.
Bygones.
He will be served first thing tomorrow.
You know, nobody enters into a marriage
expecting it to end this way.
But you're showing Mallika
how to leave a toxic relationship.
(bright music)
I couldn't have done
all this without you.
Ajay broke my heart
but you are healing it.
You deserve someone
who truly loves you, Mom.
I
signed the divorce papers.
(Mallika sighs)
What happens next?
At some point, we both need to find
the room for forgiveness.
How's that Peach pie, Mallu?
The one that Jackson usually makes?
Mm-hmm.
It's great.
Does Vishwa ever
Mom, if you wanna know if
Vishwa and I are having sex,
the answer is yes.
I am on birth control
and he uses a condom.
Okay.
I wasn't asking that, but.
(Mallika laughs)
Does Vishwa ever yell at you, or?
Are you kidding me?
I would leave his ass so fast.
Hm.
(bright music)
What if no one shows up?
(bright music continues)
[Speaker] Beautiful. I like that.
Hi auntie.
Sorry my mom couldn't be here,
but, she sends her best.
And congrats.
Thank you, Beta.
(bright music continues)
(crowd chatter)
You know,
when I first came out,
I lost a lot of people.
I have my people.
(electronic music)
Congratulations.
(electronic music continues)
Preeti, are you ready?
Yeah.
Everyone,
thank you so much for coming out tonight.
I am delighted
to be introducing a few select pieces
from Designed by Preeti.
[Audience] Woo!
(audience applauds)
(upbeat music)
(audience cheers and applauds)
(upbeat music continues)
[Audience] Yeah.
(audience cheers and applauds)
(upbeat music continues)
Ladies and gentlemen, once
again, Designed by Preeti.
Speech. Speech.
Oh, thank you, thank you.
Thank you, Erica.
I couldn't have dreamed this day up.
I...
My life has changed more
in the last three months
than it has in the last 30 years.
I'm so grateful for all the
help that was given to me
by the women in this room
and
from strangers in the
most unexpected places.
Thank you so much.
I couldn't have done this without you.
And I am proud to
introduce my wedding line
inspired by these two lovebirds.
[Audience] Woo.
(audience cheers and applauds)
All right, guys,
everyone, group picture.
- Woo.
- Come in, come in.
Come, come.
Okay, now everyone say,
Designed by.
[All] Preeti.
(crowd chatters)
Mom, after party at
Sonia Auntie's place.
Uh, there's something
else I need to do first.
I'll join you guys later.
(gentle music)
There's this drink that
I've been dreaming about.
It's orange with swirls of red
and a cherry on top.
Preeti.
(gentle music)
(bright music)
("Point of View)
Were you just biding time
until the moment's right
Just waiting for me to
read between the lights
How did I get so blinded to the things
That you were hiding
I can see you now
You would bite your tongue
the rest of your life
The you that I know wouldn't cave
The you that I know wouldn't cave
Now our new point of
view's not the same
It'll never be, never be the same
Oh, it'll never be, never be the same
Now that I see you
Oh, I see you
The you that I know never changed
The you that I know never caved
Now our new point of
view's not the same
It'll never be the same
It'll never be the same
[Mallika] Hi, Mom.
Just called to say
I'm sad I'm missing out
on your and dad's big day.
You've been together for how long?
50, 60 years.
But seriously though, how do you even make
a relationship last that long?
Okay. Gotta go study.
You must be busy socializing.
I'll try you again later.
(light music)
Everyone is waiting for you.
Yeah, I, I'll just be five minutes.
I've asked the caterers
to serve the entrees.
I think people were getting hungry.
Well, that's why I
ordered six appetizers.
Next time, you do what you want.
Now wear something modern.
I bought you a closet full of clothes.
(crowd chatters)
(light music)
(crowd cheers)
- All of it.
- Alright.
(crowd chatters)
[Ajay] Every anniversary,
she gets something special.
(crowd oohing)
- That's nice.
- Nice.
[Guest] Yeah.
Happy anniversary, darling.
Happy anniversary.
Kiss. Kiss.
Biji.
It's their anniversary,
they have to kiss.
It's a tradition.
(crowd cheers)
[Guests] Happy anniversary.
Harry is lucky.
No screaming wife and kids.
So where's Mrs. Mehta tonight?
Somewhere around.
Cheers.
So how's the company coming along?
There's the Ajay we know.
And, put up with.
Soon.
Oh, Harry, you made it.
Another year for the happy couple?
[Ajay] Preeti, this is
Kim, my new secretary.
I love your home.
Hi.
I guess I'll go check on the appetizers.
So, Kim, where did you work before this?
What is wrong with you?
Why are you being so nice?
Shhh, I, I just don't
wanna create a scene.
Okay? Please.
That's okay.
I need to solve
Really, you really want to go back?
Durga, can you stop with this tic tic?
Here, let me fix this.
So much money wasted on
these Bharat Natyam classes.
Durga, Vishwa, you look so grown up.
Hi.
Hello.
See, isn't it great
that he has a better head
of hair than his father?
Congratulations and anniversary
wishes to you, Preeti.
Thank you. Thank you.
Help me find a nice girl now for Vishwa,
before he runs off with an American.
Okay.
Let's go get some cake.
Do.
Let me look at this bracelet.
It's absolutely gorgeous.
Ajay does have good taste.
He does know how to give gifts.
Expensive gifts.
Maybe Nagarajan can learn a thing or two.
And look at this beautiful dress.
It's lovely.
You look fantastic.
My mom sent a Sari
and this is what I saw.
Wait, you made this?
Can you believe it?
It's so beautiful.
I don't know why she doesn't wear
the designer dresses I buy her.
Your wife is so talented, Ajay,
and she saves you so much money.
She is, and I'm a very lucky man.
You know what?
I think I'll go get us all a drink.
I'll help you.
Good seeing you.
Thank you so much for coming.
Take care. Bye.
Heading out, now.
Missed you.
Also, look..
Oh, hey Miku Beta.
Hey, hey, mom. Congrats.
How's the party?
We missed you.
Mallika, come home already.
Hey dad. I'll be there
right after my finals.
Bye sweetie.
- Wait.
- See you then.
Wait, I was talking to her.
Guests need you.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Yeah, but we could have
had this party next week.
[Kim] Good night.
Good night.
[Ajay] I'll walk you to the car.
(solemn music)
Ready for my anniversary present?
I'm tired.
Come here.
I'll do all the work.
Please, Ajay.
I'm making Chai.
I shelled out for this.
You were outside a long time.
So?
What?
Sonia noticed,
everyone else must have noticed.
What about Harry?
What about Harry?
He's always sniffing
around you like a dog.
Please, Ajay.
You think everybody else is blind?
(scoffs) I don't give a
fuck of what people think.
You brought her into our home.
What if Mallika brings
home an old man like you?
Huh?
(Preeti gasps)
(somber music)
(phone rings)
(knocks on door)
(somber music continues)
Harry.
You didn't have to come over.
Is he back?
Pack your bags.
You can't stay here.
I still have to clean up.
If you stay here,
you're going to get hurt,
again.
I think we both have a pretty
good idea of where he is.
You don't want to sit here and wait.
Please.
I don't want you to be alone.
(somber music)
That son of a bitch.
I'm sure he regrets what he did.
Are you kidding right now?
You have to kick him out.
Kick out her husband?
Are you mad?
(phone rings)
There.
He's calling, probably to apologize.
Revathi, Ajay hit his wife
and spent the night with his mistress.
This is between husband and wife, okay?
Preeti, you just need to
learn how to deal with him.
Yeah?
Just be cool water when
they become like this.
You can't fight fire with fire.
No.
Preeti has been the cool water
for the last 30 fucking years.
Look where it got her.
[Revathi] Just give him
one chance to apologize.
Preeti,
do you love him?
That is irrelevant.
(phone rings)
Preeti.
(phone rings)
No.
He crossed a line.
You can't let him weasel his way back in.
Don't do it.
God intended you to be together.
Ajay's only human.
He's trying his best to provide for you,
provide for Mallika.
You live in a beautiful house.
You have status.
I don't need a beautiful home.
He can keep it.
But you can't live here
in this bachelor pad.
Come live with us for a few days.
Preeti, there is no reason
for you to give up your home.
You both own it, don't you?
I, I don't know.
Okay.
You know what?
Let's go to a spa.
Spend Ajay's money.
Don't you have to get to work?
I do.
I'll see you at the
Goyal engagement, right?
It'll cheer you up.
You know, Rachna's husband,
he pushed her down the stairs.
Now that's a couple with problems.
This was just a slap, Preeti.
Forgive him.
Here, call this service.
They're open 24/7.
This is extreme.
It's his house too.
[Ajay] Preeti,
my key's not working.
(Ajay pounding on door)
I changed the locks.
[Ajay] What?
I changed the locks.
[Ajay] Open the door, Preeti.
No.
[Ajay] Are you crazy?
I'm your husband.
Look,
I know I'm not the easiest.
I apologize about my temper last night.
I'm really sorry, Preeti.
Just think of Mallika.
We are a family, Preeti.
We can work it out.
Just, just let me in, please.
Open the door.
(door bangs)
Open the door, Preeti.
You think you can kick
me out of my own house?
You are insane.
I'll make sure Mallika
knows her mother's crazy.
Stop saying that.
You're making a huge mistake.
I made a mistake when I married you.
You'll want me back.
I'll be there and I'll forgive you.
(sullen music)
[Mallika] Hello, hello.
This is Mallika.
Make it short, make it
sweet or I'll delete.
(sullen music continues)
(sullen music continues)
(bright Indian music)
(knocks on door)
It's so nice to see you.
You all right?
It's a relief actually.
You look nice.
Want some Chai?
I just swung by to
see if you wanted a ride
to the Goyal thing.
No, I, I can't risk running into Ajay.
He's not that stupid.
Is he?
You know how people talk.
They love it when things go off the rails.
Ignore the gossip.
Didn't you design the bride's dresses?
Yeah, and I had to ask
them to pay me secretly
so Ajay wouldn't find out.
Have you ever thought
of making a go of it?
Your own business?
I mean, this is a great
opportunity to show off your work.
Oh, come on.
You have to see for yourself
how stunning the bride looks
in an outfit made by you.
Hmm?
Okay. Give me a few minutes?
(bright Indian music)
Can you help me?
(phone rings)
Don't let him ruin your evening.
Want a ride?
No, I'll drive myself.
(lively music)
I am sure Mrs. Puri
is going to take her
drink extra strong today.
Her daughter came back
from Bali, pregnant.
Who did it? Tell me.
Hi. Congratulations.
You have done outstanding job
of designing my daughter's lenhga.
I got so many compliments.
She looks like a princess.
I, I do want to design
her wedding lenhga.
Yes, of course.
We'll get you the work.
And how are you?
Preeti, I need to show you something.
Come.
(bright music)
Mallika.
She drove down today,
just to surprise you.
Look at them.
So adorable together.
You don't wanna destroy this.
I'm destroying this?
It's in your hands, Preeti.
Preeti, Preeti.
Preeti, don't go.
There's my lovely wife.
Darling.
I was looking for you.
Ajay.
Come see your daughter play.
We've been practicing.
Please don't create a scene.
I just need to talk to you.
Ajay, use some
self-control for God's sake.
Please
That's ironic coming from you.
Let go of my arm.
Preeti, I need
You heard her, back off, man.
I see you.
Ajay, it's someone else's party.
Calm down, man.
Preeti.
Ajay.
You want me to tell everybody
about your little Me Too?
That's waiting to happen.
Preeti, please.
Come on.
Just, just, hear me out.
Complete fucking sociopath!
All I need is a moment
of your time, Preeti.
Preeti, come on.
Hear me out.
Hey.
Harry, can you get my purse please?
Sure.
I didn't even know Mallika
was going to be here.
You are filing a restraining
order in the morning.
What about Mallika?
Preeti, this is only going to escalate.
With the restraining order, he can't come
within 100 yards of you.
You know, when I got
married, my mother said
a girl goes to her husband's
house in a wedding carriage
and leaves only in a coffin.
Well.
I'm not planning on going to
your funeral anytime soon.
So, why did you not
wanna eat at the Goyals?
I wanted to have dinner.
Just us.
Okay. Where is mom?
I don't know.
Is she coming?
She's not, Beta.
But your mother has been pulling away.
What do you mean?
Many years ago,
she tried to leave me.
Okay, there has to be more to the story.
Ask her
where she was the night
after the anniversary party.
[Waiter] Here's some bread for starters.
[Ajay] Thank you.
(lively music)
(knocks on door)
Miku.
What a surprise.
Come.
You're home early.
Yeah, I, I,
I thought about giving you a
surprise at the Menhdi party.
I know.
I, I'm, sorry, I couldn't stay.
- I, I got it.
- No, I got it.
Okay.
Mom, wait.
I, I need to ask you something.
Does Dad not live here anymore?
I...
I, I'll explain, please.
When were you gonna tell me?
I have left you messages.
I've been trying to call you.
Are you cheating on him?
Why would you even say that?
Where were you the night
after the anniversary party?
What?
Dad said you were seeing someone.
I, I was at Harry Uncle's,
but it's not like that.
What is it like then?
(sullen music)
It, it, it's complicated.
The truth, mom.
Miku, Miku.
Please, don't leave.
(sullen music)
[Mallika] Hello, hello.
This is Mallika.
Please leave a message.
(gentle music)
Hey, Vishwa, when you see Mallika,
can you please have her call me?
Thanks. Bye.
(phone dings)
(notification dings)
(light music)
(phone rings)
[Jyoti] Preeti, we
missed you last night.
Hi, Jyoti.
I, I wasn't invited.
[Jyoti] Oh, you poor thing.
I'm so sorry.
It's okay.
[Jyoti] I didn't realize.
No, no. Really.
It's okay. I'm fine.
[Jyoti] Ajay was here.
Have you guys spoken?
Hey, Jyoti, I'm getting another call.
We'll talk later.
Okay. Bye.
Hi, Preeti. I'm sorry.
I'm going to have to cancel the order.
Esha has decided to go with
a local designer instead.
Hope you are doing okay.
If you need anything
during this difficult time,
let me know.
Do you know what was a difficult time?
The 30 years you spent married to him.
Natasha and Simran also
canceled their orders.
I'm just worried about Mallika.
Mallika will come around.
All the bills are starting to come in,
and he canceled all the accounts.
Preeti, file for divorce.
I can get you money.
Divorce will get everybody else talking.
Do I care about what
people think about me?
You are braver than I am.
Okay.
Start with this.
He won't be able to come
within 100 yards of you.
I, I don't know, Harry.
I,
I should get a job.
[Harry] What you need is for
someone to take care of you.
You know, as long as I can remember,
I've always been.
Ajay's wife or Mallika's mom.
I can't remember the last
time I was Preeti, you know?
There's no job section in the Chronicle.
Where do people find jobs?
[Sonia] They use
Linkedln and it's not 1993.
Linkedln.
Current position?
(excited music)
On the couch.
[Sonia] Start simple.
Google jobs with no experience in my area.
[Preeti] Jobs near me.
(excited music)
Do you speak Punjabi?
No.
Oh, but I have Punjabi friends.
Hmm.
See, we are very, very busy.
(lively music)
How many shirt you can make in one hour?
Oh.
(interviewer speaks in foreign language)
I don't know how many
I can make in one hour.
What your husband do?
Oh, but I design clothes,
Design?
(lively music)
[Interviewer] Online presence?
I'm sorry?
Are you online? Like social media?
I have a Facebook account, yes.
IG?
You, you don't know what Instagram is?
Oh, I'm all over Instagram.
If you were to rate your
admin skills on a scale
of one to 10,
what would that number be?
(light music)
Two.
(jazz music)
Ugh.
Ugh, are you okay, Miss?
May I help you?
I'm fine. I think.
Let me, let me give you a hand.
I'm so sorry.
There you go.
Let me grab this, hold on.
There you go.
I'm gonna take you right over here.
Be careful.
(jazz music continues)
Sit right there.
May I?
Thank you.
Oh.
Okay, sorry.
It's not my ankle.
It's my knee.
I'm really sorry.
My bar back will get an earful.
It's an old injury.
I, I usually wear a brace.
Hold on, I got something for that.
Where's that brace?
You know, we have something in common.
We do?
Bad knees. (Chuckles)
We're old.
You couldn't be a day over, what?
29?
Mine's a soccer injury.
Yours?
Oh, I, I don't remember.
Oh, you know what?
I have a pain balm I could get for you.
No, no, no. That's okay.
Have you been in here before?
I would definitely have noticed you.
My daughter, she's a singer.
Mallika.
- Ah.
- You know her?
She's your baby?
The audience loves her.
Charm must run in the family.
Is she here?
Not yet.
I'm Jackson Simmons.
I'm the owner.
Oh. Hi Jackson.
I'm Preeti.
Nice to meet you.
Hi. Preeti.
Do you mind if I get you a drink?
It's on me.
It's the least I can do.
Thank you.
(excited music)
Finest painkiller.
Tequila sunrise.
It looks like more of a sunset to me.
I've always found sunsets
to be more magical.
Well, for you, Tequila Sunset.
Hey.
- Miku.
Really?
Oh.
Ladies, I'm gonna, I gotta...
What are you talking to Jackson about?
Nothing.
I, I'm waiting for you.
You're stalking me.
No, I want to talk to you.
Please. Miku.
My name is Mallika.
Mallika, can we talk after the show?
I have plans.
Hey, sorry, I'm late.
[Preeti] Hey, you made it.
What did I miss?
Can I get you ladies
anything from the bar?
Martini, Dry.
Another Sunset, Ms. Pretty?
Sure.
And I will have one of
each, whatever they're having.
Raves!
Her son is also in the band.
Yeah, I know Vish.
Okay.
Ladies, your drinks will be right up.
Thank you.
- Hey.
- Hey.
How's the job search?
Ugh, I've never felt so
old, ugly, and inexperienced.
Revathi helped me write my resume.
Not much to say there though.
You have a degree in design.
From India.
And my work experience is housewife.
You know, you can
always go back to Ajay.
Listen, lead with your strengths.
You are an incredibly creative person.
In fact, my friend Erica
has a boutique in the city.
I'm gonna put you in touch with her.
That would be great.
Big moves.
Don't forget about us little people
once you're big and famous.
There, I sent you her number.
Thanks.
How's Brenda?
Tell me something.
Doesn't it bother Biji
that you live with a woman?
She's okay with it.
Are you okay with it?
Because sometimes, I think
you're not okay with it.
Can I get the loaded potato skins please?
Absolutely.
Mini quesadillas?
I'll just share. Thank you.
Be right back.
Well, I'll take a nice
ass over love any day.
I would like to make a toast
to Preeti's newfound freedom.
To long lasting marriages.
To good friends.
Speaking of good friends,
don't be surprised if
they stop inviting you.
Why?
They're afraid you'll
steal their husbands.
Oh, because in our community,
being single is a crime.
Hmm, it's getting hot in here.
What is going on with you?
Are you not getting enough at home?
Sex is so overrated.
You know, Durga is
either talking to boys
or she's talking about them.
And when she's not talking about that,
she's talking about taking
these American dance classes.
That's really normal.
I've been telling her,
stop flaunting your body.
Take your studies seriously.
[Sonia] She's a teenager.
But she just won't listen to me.
I think I just need to move back to India.
Not again.
What, what if she
becomes a vagabond artist?
Vagabond?
And what if Vishwa comes
home with a white girl
or a Black girl?
Shhh.
Stop her.
And, and, and arrange
their marriages in India?
Yeah.
She's gonna marry Durga
to a nice Brahman boy whose
mother still does his laundry.
I'd be okay with that.
Okay, no matter who they bring home,
our boys should be taught
to treat their women right.
Mmm. That looks good.
Tofu on the house.
Thank you.
Oh, here they come.
(audience applauds)
Woo!
Hey, everyone.
I am Mallika.
And this is an original.
(gentle music)
You said that keeping secrets
Can break a heart in two
So why have you been dancing
Around and round the truth
Maybe you have your reasons
But I don't even care to hear them
'Cause your eyes have
been speaking for you.
The you that I knew
The you that I knew wouldn't cave
The you that I knew wouldn't cave
Now my new point of
view is not the same
It'll never be the same
Thank you.
(audience applauds)
Thanks, everyone.
We'll be right back.
(upbeat music)
Okay. I have a joke.
What do a dildo and tofu have in common?
Checks, please?
No, no, no.
One more round.
This one's on me.
This one's on me.
Okay, the answer is
The, the drink was
lovely and so was the food.
Thank you so much.
You are welcome.
Is Mallika going to sing again?
No, I, I actually
think she left already.
But, here's the pain balm that I promised.
Give it a try, yeah?
Thank you.
Mmm. Gardenia.
It reminds me of India.
I'm glad you like it.
Thank you.
Oh, have a good night, ladies.
Jackson's giving you the love potion?
No, it's just a pain balm.
(alarm beeps)
(excited music)
Hi, how can I help you?
Hi.
I'm here to see Ms. Erica
Chan about my designs.
Ms. Chan is tied up at the moment.
Leave your samples, we'll be in touch
I don't have samples,
but I have designs.
Come back when you have samples.
I, I drove an hour to get here.
Ms. Chan runs a tight ship,
no exceptions.
Good day.
Amateurs.
[Mallika] Hello, hello.
This is Mallika.
Please leave a message.
Hey, Miku, it's me again.
Would love to talk to you.
Call me please.
I miss you.
[Sonia] How did it go?
Not good.
[Sonia] Well, on a scale of one to
On a scale of one to
should I take Ajay back?
Maybe I should take Ajay back.
[Sonia] Okay, you're being dramatic.
This is just one interview.
There will be many.
Hey Sonia, can I call you back?
(excited music)
Hmm.
So punch in over there and don't forget
'cause it's a pain in the ass
if I have to fix your time card.
When do I start?
Tomorrow.
7:00 AM.
Remember, customer's always right.
You can fill out the paperwork tomorrow.
Hmm.
Any questions?
I'm Susan, you can call me Sue.
Hi, I am Preeti.
You can call me Pretty.
Welcome to the shit hole.
I'm sorry?
Ah, girl, don't be.
I'm used to this.
This is stuck.
Oh, here, let me help.
Oh.
Oh my gosh, my bad.
Is this a Aloo Gobhi?
Girl, Indian food is the bomb.
Oh, you, you like it?
I'm, I'm happy to share with you.
Yeah, maybe for lunch.
Hey, what's this mess?
Oh, I'm sorry.
[Sue] I spilled my lunch.
You made Aloo Gobhi?
It's none your business.
Well, clean it up.
Ugh.
Grade A asshole.
Don't let him push you around.
He's a bit of a wuss under that shell.
This is not scanning.
It doesn't have a bar code.
I've explained this three times.
So you just push this button here.
It'll bring up the menu
and you can select which
vegetable you need.
Okay. Okay.
This has a bar code, but
it's not, it's not scanning.
You just turn around like this
and the scanner picks up the bar code.
It's not that hard.
It's not rocket science.
I've been waiting here for so long.
- I'm so sorry.
- Go take lunch.
I'll take it from here.
Go take lunch.
Thank you.
Sorry about that, ma'am.
(somber music)
[Sue] I saw that.
Girl, don't let him get to you.
He's not worth it.
I just don't wanna get
fired for my first job.
Your first job?
Well,
girl, soon you'll be able to
do this with your eyes closed
and then you'll hate
yourself for working here.
Either way, you lose.
(somber music continues)
When did you become a vegetarian?
All my life.
There's so much variety in Indian food.
My husband tried to convert me.
He forced me to eat meat.
Have you considered
talking to someone about it?
I have friends.
Like a professional.
This sounds like some serious abuse.
There's also coercion,
isolation, gas lighting.
But talking to someone helps.
I don't know.
I, I, I'm not brave enough for therapy.
Well, you got some
badass status in my book.
(somber music)
(phone dings)
Therapist?
Just in case you need it.
I don't feel so badass.
I,
I wasted an opportunity
at a boutique the other day.
I feel really bad.
So go get it back then.
It's not that easy.
Fake it until you make it, girl.
(both laugh)
(lively Indian music)
(knocks on door)
Hi Preeti. Come on in.
Happy Birthday!
(all laugh)
Surprise!
Thank you. Thank you.
Happy birthday.
Three women walk into a bar.
Ah, a bar...
How's the new job?
An Indian lady yelled at me.
You know, I can have my
father look at your horoscope.
My father said that my horoscope
matched perfectly with the Ajay's.
Go figure.
They just bribe the pundit
to change the horoscope.
Or
marry a tree before marrying a person.
See, that actually works, okay?
'Cause the tree absorbs the bad luck
and the husband lives.
Anyone want Chai?
Chai?
We're celebrating
and I don't like to see empty glasses.
Hey,
she'll call.
She hasn't called in weeks.
She will.
I got my first paycheck today.
There are so many deductions, oh my God.
Okay.
What, what is this?
What is this and what is that?
You weren't lying about your pay.
Show me.
This is what you make?
In two weeks?
It barely pays for gas and food
and I, I don't know how people survive.
What about the money
you make sewing clothes?
I've been struggling getting orders.
It's just,
I guess it's gonna be a dream
that will not come true.
Well, if you're struggling
doing what you don't like,
you might as well be
struggling doing what you love.
We all make compromises, Preeti.
And you can save some money
by renting out your place.
Selling or renting a joint
ownership is not an option.
I guess when Mallika's older.
It's going to be hard to
find a boy for Mallika now.
Preeti just give Ajay another chance.
For your daughter's sake.
No, he's an abuser.
Mallika is quite capable of
finding someone for herself.
Huh, coming from the most
eligible bachelor in town.
How come you haven't found anyone?
How do you know I haven't?
Huh?
Hi, I was here a few weeks ago.
Can I talk to Erica Chan please?
She's really busy right now.
Monica, I need the stitching redone.
Oh, hi, Ms. Chan.
I'm a friend of Sonia Singh.
Hi. Yes.
It's nice to meet you.
I'm sorry, I meant to
respond to your email,
but we have a fashion show coming up,
so if you wanna leave your
samples with my assistant.
Actually, actually,
can I just show you one?
I, I promise.
Just one.
Monica, I need the
stitching done at 601.
Pale lavender.
This is fine silk from
India hand dyed by me.
Where did you get the pattern?
Oh, it's my original.
Here's another one.
It's very creative.
How much inventory do you have?
Sorry?
How many dresses do you have on hand?
I brought all my pieces,
including this one.
How many seamstresses?
I make everything in my home,
all by myself.
What is your cost per dress?
I'm sorry, your designs are beautiful,
but you haven't figured out
your business model yet.
Actually, I've been
crunching the numbers
and I can send them to
you by the end of the day.
Leave two samples.
I'll see what I can do.
Great. Thank you.
Erica rarely takes on anyone new.
Start crunching those numbers.
Here.
Two, three?
- That's fine.
- Okay.
Amma.
You don't have to iron jeans.
It's, it's okay.
Okay.
(phone rings)
Hey, how's work going?
The same, but I'm designing a new dress.
They don't make silk like they used to.
Back in design school, we
used to dye our own fabric.
I remember we would
haggle with the bhaiyas
in the Kanpur heat all day
and go back and dip the fabric
and watch the colors bloom.
Arrey, all the bhaiyas are online now.
I'll send you a link.
[Preeti] Online?
Yeah. Yeah.
You can order everything,
whatever you want.
Is Vish home?
Can he convince Mallika to talk to me?
Actually, can we leave Vish out of this?
He's so innocent.
Besides, Vish and Mallika are
going to LA today for a gig.
(knocks on door)
They are?
For how long?
Four days, I think.
Revathi, I'll call you back.
Jackson.
- You forgot this.
Oh, thank you.
I had forgotten about this.
How did you
Oh, I dropped off Mallika
from a late shift once.
I'm not stalking you, I promise.
Whoa.
And, I know you like Gardenias, yeah?
Thank you so much.
You know my weakness.
And voila.
New and improved pain balm
for my favorite client.
You remembered.
I guess I'm not gonna sue you anymore.
So I can have my gifts back.
No.
(both laugh)
I, I, I just, I don't
know how to thank you.
You know, there's this
really good dessert I like,
I think it's called Gallub Jamun.
- Gulab Jamun.
- Yes.
You're looking at the best
Gulab Jamun maker in town.
What? Can you teach me?
[Preeti] Of course.
I'll share my peach pie
secret recipe with you.
- Mallika's favorite?
- Mallika's favorite.
You know that?
Mallu's got good taste.
Mallu?
When is Mallika going
to be at the bar again?
Thursday.
[Preeti] Hmm?
You gonna join us?
Maybe.
(phone dings)
Oh.
Jackson, I have to go.
I, I'm so sorry.
I didn't mean to make
you feel uncomfortable.
No, you didn't.
But, but I, I need to leave.
I'm really sorry.
Wait, so I'll see you.
I'll see you Thursday?
- Sorry.
- All right, yeah.
(sullen music)
(phone rings)
Ms. Chan. Hello.
[Erica] Please, call me Erica.
I saw your numbers.
I have a monthly Popup
boutique in my studio.
Designers line up for months,
but one of them canceled,
so I have a spot.
Oh, great. Thank you.
[Erica] Do you have enough inventory?
No, I, I, I mean, yes,
I can make a dress in four hours.
I have access to a wholesale market
and I can hire extra
help and deliver on time.
[Erica] I'm happy to
feature you in my next Popup.
Popup?
I mean, what do I have to do?
[Erica] You'll be the
featured designer for a day.
You'd have to make enough dresses
to make it worth your while.
How many?
[Erica] At least 45.
It's on the 16th of next month.
That's,
16th that's,
that's, that's three weeks.
[Erica] Is it a problem?
No, no. No problem at all.
I will have it ready on time.
[Erica] Great.
I'll send you the details.
45 times 200.
That's 9,000 plus.
It's a gorgeous necklace.
My parents gave it to me at my wedding.
I designed it with the
help of our family jeweler.
Family jeweler?
It's called a Mangalsutra.
A symbol of long lasting marriage.
Ooh.
Girl, maybe its time to
let that necklace go.
(phone dings)
My daughter.
She's very artsy.
Ooh.
Is she in daycare?
I can't afford daycare.
My mama takes care of my kids.
So your husband also works?
That deadbeat hasn't
shown up for months.
Guess what?
My husband is also a deadbeat.
(both laughs)
I wondered why a rich woman
like you would work here.
Can you take me to that
wholesale fabric market
that your mom goes to?
Break up the party and get back to work?
(both laughs)
(sullen music)
I think of you all the time.
You are not supposed to be here.
I, I paid this month's mortgage
so you can pursue your sewing hobby.
You don't have to work in this dump.
It's not a hobby and I have work to do.
Focus on being creative.
You don't know how to run a business.
Let me be your investor,
your partner.
What do you think, Preeti?
(sullen music continues)
You haven't thought things through.
I will earn my own money and,
I like gardenias.
(sullen music continues)
Oh, hello, Preeti.
How are you?
Hey.
I have a nice two-karat diamond
I'd like to show you.
Actually, I, I want to sell these.
Oh.
I guess Ajay is not paying his bills.
He just bought this last year.
I, I need cash.
Ajay loved this so much,
he bought two of them.
I know.
You can buy it back anytime you want.
You take care.
Thank you.
Hey, isn't that Ajay Kumar's wife?
Oh.
(Preeti sobs)
(gentle music)
We don't open for another hour.
It's me.
Hey, what time is Mallika
performing tonight?
She canceled.
Okay.
Well, have a nice day.
Cool.
Listen, I'm so sorry for
acting weird the other day,
but I love the gardenias.
You don't have to explain.
I showed up to your house unexpected.
No, no, no.
It's just...
A lot going on in my life right now.
And I know it's not an excuse, but
I just wanted you to know.
You wanna talk about it?
I'm a great listener.
(sighs) Where do I even begin?
Well,
this might help.
(upbeat music)
Now, this other Indian movie.
Another Indian movie?
Oh yeah. I'm a big fan.
Now, the bride chooses
the groom by putting
a, a, a garland around
him, but it was arranged?
Mm-hmm.
So, the girl gets to choose a guy
who has already been chosen for her?
Right.
Well, what if the guy says no?
And walk away from a dowry
and a lifelong servant?
A dowry and a servant.
Yeah, that sounds like a good deal to me.
It wasn't.
Oh.
(jazz music)
Is there something you
wanted to talk to me about?
There's a this boutique that has offered
to feature my designs.
Okay.
But I don't think I'll be ready in time.
Well, you just need to hire some help.
How would I even do that?
Give me your email and phone number.
Okay.
(jazz music continues)
And what's the name of your business?
I, I don't have one.
Let's get you a name.
Preeti's uh, Boutique.
Preeti's Creations.
Preeti's Designs.
Designed by Preeti.
That's it.
Designed by Preeti.
[Jackson] You are in business.
All right.
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music continues)
You think you bought enough buttons?
I guess I got carried away.
Well, you were a
bargaining badass today.
Well, I grew up in India.
So have you heard from the deadbeat?
No, not since he came to the store last.
But, I have a new friend
who's been teaching me
how to do business.
Well, it takes a village.
[Biji] It's been so
long since I've seen you.
I know, between the
seamstresses in the morning
and the grocery store in the afternoon.
But I'm looking forward
to some home cooked food.
I made Aloo Paratha, especially for you.
Your Aloo Paratha will make us fart.
Keep your farts quiet then.
We have news!
We're getting married.
Congratulations.
Those are beautiful.
Took them long enough.
I had to threaten them
before they decided.
I must have done something
good in my last life.
Learned how to cook.
Chup.
Well, this calls for a toast.
Here's to new beginnings.
So,
have you thought about
filing for divorce?
Mrs. Sharma's neighbor
got so badly beaten up by
her husband she may die.
Biji!
Biji, you told me about some pants
that you used to cut on a bias.
Can you show me how to do that?
Very easy.
I used to make them for Sonia all the time
before she went all lawyer on me.
You know, in our village,
we never had any tailors,
so we sewed our own clothes.
Here, let me show you.
Let me show you.
Oh, now?
Oh, no.
(solemn music)
Have a wonderful day.
Thank you.
And how are you today?
Doing fantastic. How about you?
Just great.
You saved $2.12 cents,
Mr. Horse.
Horse Dick?
It's actually Horace,
Horace Dick.
Have a wonderful day.
Thank you for your business.
Harry. Hi.
I was in the area.
Thought I'd say hello.
Heard the great news.
You know, my break is
coming up in 10 minutes.
I can meet you at the Donut
King around the corner.
I'll see you there.
Um, can I order you anything?
Chai Latte.
With soy milk?
[Preeti] You got it.
Ooooh, Preeti's got a boyfriend.
He's just a friend.
My friends don't look at me like that.
(bright music)
I ordered one of everything.
You're so silly.
I bring my own lunch.
Oh, wow.
Do you wanna try it?
Sure.
So how many patients did you kill today?
How many customers
have yelled at you today?
Kadhi, wow!
How lucky can a man get? Huh?
Congratulations, by the
way, on your boutique show.
Thank you.
Harry, I can't afford to fail.
Why don't you just quit your job?
No.
It just breaks my heart
to see you work at a grocery store.
Well, it pays some of the bills.
It's...
It's demeaning.
You deserve so much better.
Look, you know I'd do anything for you.
Harry, I, I,
I'm sorry.
I don't have the same
feelings you have for me.
I cherish your friendship, but please.
Sorry, I made assumptions.
Look, I
I gotta go.
No, listen, I, I...
Harry.
(somber music)
(knocks on door)
Miku, you are home.
Don't get excited.
I'm just here to pick up some stuff.
We need to talk.
There's nothing to talk about.
- Just you and I-
- What?
Listen to me, please.
Have you been seeing other men?
No. Never.
Then why would dad lie?
It's because your dad
has been having affairs
for many years.
That's not true.
He, he loves you.
Why would I lie?
Why didn't you tell me?
Because you two are close
and, and he loves you.
Only when he hit me
Wait, he hit you?
That's when I changed the locks.
If you knew about dad's
affairs, then why did you stay?
The last time I left,
he sent you off to boarding school.
I didn't wanna go back to India
and, and, and have everyone
pity me and my daughter.
Do Nana and Nani know?
I didn't want to bring
shame to my family.
What do you mean?
Look,
when you were born,
Ajay's family would not even talk to me
because I gave birth to a girl.
I put up with the insults
just, just to keep Ajay happy.
(droning music)
Has he hit you before?
Yeah.
(droning music continues)
I love you, mom.
(droning music continues)
With emotional abuse,
there are no bruises, no evidence.
It's silent trauma.
For some,
it's like a box
deep in our psyche that
we don't dare open.
Only when we're ready and in a safe
and supportive environment
can we begin to unpack it.
In silence, we are isolated,
driven by fear, plagued by self-doubt.
It's okay to feel like your
community abandoned you,
like nobody understands.
But I want you to know you are not alone.
Not here.
(light music)
Durga.
Prasadam.
Here.
Can I have a whole laddu?
No, you can't.
You're gonna get fat.
Take those earphones off.
Mom.
All this dancing is not
going to get you anywhere.
Go cover those legs.
How would you know?
How did I miss the signs?
Your mom wanted to protect you.
I guess.
But she has really suffered a lot.
If I had any idea, I
would've supported her or,
and he wouldn't have been able
Hey, hey.
You were a child.
Let that go.
He hit her.
Vishwa,
Prasadam.
(bright music)
We finally got you trained
and you're out the door.
There you go.
Well, good luck.
Thank you.
You were the only same
person in this shit hole.
Who am I gonna bitch to?
You made this?
For Hailey.
Her first designer dress.
You better not forget
me when you're famous.
Never.
(gentle music)
Ready for accounting 101?
If you're ready for a Gulab Jamun feast.
Welcome to my office.
Well, I have some good news.
[Jackson] Yeah?
Mallika is finally talking to me.
Fantastic news.
You know what that calls
for, a celebration?
Mm, you brought out the good stuff.
You're not gonna sue
me so I can afford it.
(both chuckle)
So how's your knee?
Well, it's a long story.
I got time.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
(jazz music)
When Mallika was seven years old,
my husband threw a bottle
of wine in a fit of rage.
It caught my knee.
So, I left home
for a whole day.
I sat by the ocean.
It was so peaceful.
No yelling, no screaming.
But I forgot to pick her up from school.
And I get that.
When I got home, they were
both sitting on the couch.
She tried to run to me,
but he held her back.
He wouldn't let her hug me.
He said I was, I was an unfit mother.
So he sent her off to boarding school.
[Jackson] To punish you?
I blame myself.
No, no, no, no, no.
It is not your fault.
You are a Queen.
Don't you ever forget that.
(brooding music)
Hey.
I, I, I can't do this.
This is wrong.
- Wait.
- No, this is, this is wrong.
Wait.
Preeti.
Preeti.
(solemn music)
What have I become?
I'm okay with not fasting
for my husband's long life.
A tradition I've followed
since I got married.
So?
Ajay has always provided for us.
That's not enough.
I have feelings
that I've never felt before.
You are becoming your own person.
(speaker chanting in foreign language)
- Hi.
- Hello.
(speaker speaks in foreign language)
Hi, Preeti.
Why didn't you come for Karva Chauth?
Not fasting for Ajay's long life anymore?
This is why.
Where did you get that?
It's all over the chat group, Preeti.
I know, you barely check it anymore
since you've gotten so
busy with other things.
Busy. What?
Nothing happened.
Revathi, please.
Are you snooping on me?
Preeti, all these photos
are all over the chat group.
How could you stoop so low?
You are having an affair?
With a Black man?
A bartender?
No, I'm not having an affair.
Actually, this explains everything.
Like mother, like daughter.
What has Mallika got to do with this?
Your daughter has
taken my son's innocence.
Please.
Just tell her to stay the
heck away from him, okay?
(brooding music)
No, no, no, no, no!
(brooding music continues)
Oh God.
I heard about the photos.
I was a fool to listen to you.
I, I know how you feel
Do you?
Preeti,
he hit you.
We both know that's not okay.
I had a decent life
and now I'm being shamed
by the entire community.
You don't think I know how that feels?
You keep your fiance
hidden in your house.
Wow.
Okay.
Ma'am, the others have
not shown up to work yet.
Why?
They have heard the rumors.
Just go home.
I'll pay you for the whole day.
(somber music)
[Erica] House of Erica.
Leave a message.
Miss Erica.
This is Preeti.
I don't think I'll be finished in time.
I'm sorry.
(somber music continues)
Mom.
I'm going to the store.
You want anything?
What happened with Sonia auntie?
The fabric is all cut up.
The seamstresses are gone.
Those photos.
Listen, I'm gonna go grab us some food
and once I'm back, we're gonna fix this.
(somber music)
Preeti, please,
hear me out.
I've, I've come to apologize.
Can we just talk for Mallika's sake?
Will you say something?
What do you want?
I see you're committed to your business.
I get it now.
I wanna support you.
No strings attached.
This will cover your expenses.
Do you need more?
You won't owe me a thing.
I want us to be a family again.
It's too late.
I miss you, Janu.
Could, could I get a,
could I get some water?
He is giving you money?
How much is it?
Enough to cover all the expenses.
Don't do it, mom.
You cannot take him back.
We can buy more fabric,
but you just cannot take him back.
You know, he destroyed your fabric.
(somber music)
You cut up the fabric.
What?
The fabric on the porch.
You destroyed it.
Preeti, please.
My life is a mess right now.
But what you did
and what you've done over the years...
You may be Mallika's father,
but my life is better without you.
Leave.
(sullen music)
Miku.
(sullen music continues)
Many of us are in denial.
In our minds,
we have created a dream
and live as if it is true.
We have to let go of this illusion.
In order to heal,
we have to accept the truth.
Anyone interested in sharing?
(gentle music)
Anyone?
(gentle music continues)
For years, I've, I've had this feeling
that if I let my guard
down, even for a moment,
that, that everything will fall apart.
I'm always looking over my shoulder.
My husband convinced
me that I'm a failure.
You only fail if you quit.
I've cut him out of my life.
But what if he's right?
What if, in this whole process
of trying to figure out who I really am,
I realize I'm nobody?
I want to set a good
example for my daughter
by not giving up,
but.
I'm still afraid.
(solemn music)
Fear is just the starting point.
Action dissolves it.
(solemn music continues)
Oh.
I love you and Sonia.
You've come through
the storm with grace.
You should be proud.
I wanted a normal life for Mallika
and I ended up ruining it.
Normal is overrated.
Both of you will be
better off without Ajay.
I am so proud of you.
You're proud of me?
Yes.
For not putting your worth in his hands.
These beautiful dresses
are an extension of you.
They sparkle because of you.
You could change the lines on your hand
if you're willing to.
Mallika?
(bright music)
You are all back.
(bright music continues)
All right, we're gonna need
to work around the clock.
We will get this done.
Together.
I need, I told Erica
Sonia will take care of it.
(bright music continues)
Hi, Kavita.
Oh, hi Preeti.
You came to take your jewelry back?
No, actually,
I want to sell this.
Oh, you keep it.
I, I'll, I'll loan you the money.
I have no use for it.
(gentle music)
What are you doing here?
If your husband cheated on you,
hit you, destroyed your
relationship with your child,
how long would you put up with it?
I came here to tell you
that my daughter and your son are in love
and she hasn't stolen anything from him
that he wasn't willing to give.
I don't wanna hear any of it.
Please leave.
(gentle music)
We did not find the love we deserved,
but our children did.
We gave up our dreams
and ignored our needs for so long.
I am moving on, Revathi.
Are you?
(gentle music continues)
[Reporter] 27 balls since the last run.
India. (Indistinct)
(solemn music)
(bright music)
I am so sorry
for how I behaved the other day.
Bygones.
He will be served first thing tomorrow.
You know, nobody enters into a marriage
expecting it to end this way.
But you're showing Mallika
how to leave a toxic relationship.
(bright music)
I couldn't have done
all this without you.
Ajay broke my heart
but you are healing it.
You deserve someone
who truly loves you, Mom.
I
signed the divorce papers.
(Mallika sighs)
What happens next?
At some point, we both need to find
the room for forgiveness.
How's that Peach pie, Mallu?
The one that Jackson usually makes?
Mm-hmm.
It's great.
Does Vishwa ever
Mom, if you wanna know if
Vishwa and I are having sex,
the answer is yes.
I am on birth control
and he uses a condom.
Okay.
I wasn't asking that, but.
(Mallika laughs)
Does Vishwa ever yell at you, or?
Are you kidding me?
I would leave his ass so fast.
Hm.
(bright music)
What if no one shows up?
(bright music continues)
[Speaker] Beautiful. I like that.
Hi auntie.
Sorry my mom couldn't be here,
but, she sends her best.
And congrats.
Thank you, Beta.
(bright music continues)
(crowd chatter)
You know,
when I first came out,
I lost a lot of people.
I have my people.
(electronic music)
Congratulations.
(electronic music continues)
Preeti, are you ready?
Yeah.
Everyone,
thank you so much for coming out tonight.
I am delighted
to be introducing a few select pieces
from Designed by Preeti.
[Audience] Woo!
(audience applauds)
(upbeat music)
(audience cheers and applauds)
(upbeat music continues)
[Audience] Yeah.
(audience cheers and applauds)
(upbeat music continues)
Ladies and gentlemen, once
again, Designed by Preeti.
Speech. Speech.
Oh, thank you, thank you.
Thank you, Erica.
I couldn't have dreamed this day up.
I...
My life has changed more
in the last three months
than it has in the last 30 years.
I'm so grateful for all the
help that was given to me
by the women in this room
and
from strangers in the
most unexpected places.
Thank you so much.
I couldn't have done this without you.
And I am proud to
introduce my wedding line
inspired by these two lovebirds.
[Audience] Woo.
(audience cheers and applauds)
All right, guys,
everyone, group picture.
- Woo.
- Come in, come in.
Come, come.
Okay, now everyone say,
Designed by.
[All] Preeti.
(crowd chatters)
Mom, after party at
Sonia Auntie's place.
Uh, there's something
else I need to do first.
I'll join you guys later.
(gentle music)
There's this drink that
I've been dreaming about.
It's orange with swirls of red
and a cherry on top.
Preeti.
(gentle music)
(bright music)
("Point of View)
Were you just biding time
until the moment's right
Just waiting for me to
read between the lights
How did I get so blinded to the things
That you were hiding
I can see you now
You would bite your tongue
the rest of your life
The you that I know wouldn't cave
The you that I know wouldn't cave
Now our new point of
view's not the same
It'll never be, never be the same
Oh, it'll never be, never be the same
Now that I see you
Oh, I see you
The you that I know never changed
The you that I know never caved
Now our new point of
view's not the same
It'll never be the same
It'll never be the same