What do you think each of the characters might be doing a year after the novel's conclusion?

Imagine it's a year after the novel's conclusion. What do you think each of the characters might be doing at that time? How might the events of the novel continue to have repercussions for them?

Hopefully, Ajay is receiving therapy for his autism. Priya is more open and happier to be back in the other neighborhood. I think Ashok is still working hard, but hopefully more willing to really see his family and not be so rigid. Deepa retains her friendship with Paco and has improved her relationship with her family. Maya is still striving to succeed but may not be as impressed with those of wealth. None will forget what happened and may be more even cautious because of it — or maybe more outspoken? One can only speculate!

I hope that they are forever changed snd learn from their experiences- Ajay received autism therapy, Maya learned the value of a true friend and that character content is more important than baubles and that Deepa continues to value her family.

I hope they try to give the locals a chance and break out from their ex-pat ghetto.
The natives are often quite curious and even can be kind.

Marcia S has expressed my sentiments exactly!

The characters all seemed to change so much in the short span of this book, I hope that some of them continue their growth in positive ways.

These are some of the changes I would love to see:
Priya volunteers for social justice, especially educating police officers in ways to remain safe while honoring the rights of juveniles.
Ajay has connected with Mark Rober and is featured as a drone expert on several of his autism awareness videos.
Maya has formed a club to promote young women to build on their strengths and support each other.

I think Ashok and Priya would be happy near their dear friends. Perhaps Priya would be working on social justice reform. Deepa and Paco are very young so who knows if their romance will last especially when college interferes. Maya still has a lot of growing up to do and is probably the goalie on the soccer team. Ajay will still be counting his familiar streets, but hopefully getting treatment.

I see Priya getting into a more active role with other mothers whose children have been abused by the justice system. I do hope Auay is getting therapy and coping better

I like cathyoc future for Priya and Ajay, but I agree with christineb that Maya still has a lot of growing to do. Hopefully, her mother's and Deepa's perspectives will rub off on her and she will learn to love herself as she is.

I hope they are all doing well. Back in the neighborhood they should never have left. Happy with their lives and true friends and not wanting more.

A year later, as each member of the Shah family has processed the traumatic events they had gone through, the family's return to their old neighborhood brought them contentment. Ajay is undergoing autism therapy, with his family now more attuned to his needs and well-being. Deepa remains close to Paco and has found love and acceptance within her family. Maya, like Ajay, is receiving the attention she requires. Ashok continues to work hard, showing a growing concern for fairness and inclusivity in his company. He is paying closer attention to the needs of his wife and children. Priya is more assertive and outspoken about her beliefs and concerns.

The Shahs finally have Ajay evaluated and he is getting the care and support he needs. He's also still building amazing things. The Shahs have also moved back to Irvine and are much happier.

The characters in the book have all been affected in some way by the traumatic event of Ajay's arrest. I think that one year later we would see the members of the Shah family still in the beginning stages of processing what happened that day, the family secrets that were revealed, the relationships that changed and the understandings , beliefs and perceptions that were shattered. It takes a long time to heal. However, this family has love and support and now some understanding of their problems.