Inaya tried to suppress her laughter, which then resulted in some fitful snorting. Humaira, displaying dignified disdain, paid no heed to any of this. She busied herself instead, with straining to catch a glimpse of her beloved younger sister.

Even an hour later, the two sisters’ joyous reunion was still in full swing.

‘Remember the time we played truant and snuck out from school to have falooda at Gawalmandi, Humaira Aapa?’ asked Adeela. This seemed to spark some long-lost memory that both sisters were completely consumed by. An avalanche of anecdotal download ensued with both talking over each other in their excitement.

‘I think we may have to sneak off to get some lunch,’ muttered Habib to Inaya, cupping his hand over his mouth. ‘What say you?’

Inaya nodded, grinning. Habib stood up and patted his tummy. ‘The airline food doesn’t seem to have suited me and I foolishly forgot to pack my antacids,’ he announced.

‘Tsk, I told you a million times to check that you have packed all your medicines, Habib . . . ’ began his wife.

‘I could look to see if I have some around, although I have turned to alternative medicine mostly. Would you like to try some of my natural remedies?’ offered Adeela. ‘Some crushed asafoetida . . . ’

‘Just say hing, Adeela,’ interjected Humaira. ‘Since when do we call it asafoetida?’

‘Er, don’t worry,’ said Habib quickly, ‘I’ll just go down to the chemist around the corner and pick up something. Inaya, would you like to come for a little walk?’

‘Leave the poor child with us,’ said Adeela. ‘She’s had a long journey.’

‘It’s, er, fine, Adeela Khaala,’ said Inaya. ‘I’ll go with Daada.’

‘Come back soon. I’ve made some kale and courgette patties for lunch,’ Adeela called after them; words that seemed to propel Habib and Inaya out of the door even faster.

Nabeel’s Kitchen

Fifteen minutes later, Habib and Inaya arrived at Nabeel’s Kitchen. There seemed to be a long queue to get a table.

‘Should we go elsewhere, Daada?’ said Inaya. ‘It’s going to take us ages here and it’s not like we can’t eat this food back home.’

‘It’s going to be the same everywhere, Inaya. Let’s just wait for our turn.’

Inaya sighed and glanced out of the window, watching passers-by to pass her time.

Meanwhile, Jai and Toshi were walking towards the café where Arathi was to meet them.

‘Oh, there it is—Nabeel’s Kitchen,’ said Jai, quickening his step as he neared it. He had wanted to eat here for ages—which was why Arathi had decided it would be the first place she would take them to for a meal.

As Jai walked past the café’s window, he suddenly heard a loud shriek. He looked up to see flailing arms, and attached to them was a familiar body, which launched itself at Jai and enveloped him in a bear hug.

‘I’ve missed you so much, my Jai,’ said Arathi, as she covered her son’s face with loving kisses.