‘Don’t worry,’ said Habib. ‘I just got a bit dizzy—I think my blood sugar level might have dipped. It happens sometimes when I haven’t eaten for a while.’

‘Can I get you a sandwich?’ offered Toshi.

‘That’s very kind of you, but I’ll be fine. Honestly.’

As he said that, he staggered. Toshi reached out and steadied him.

‘Please, let me accompany you to the café,’ she said. ‘Are you here by yourself?’

‘No, my granddaughter is actually playing some practice games here.’

They walked together in an awkward silence for a bit.

‘I’m sorry about troubling you like this,’ said Habib. ‘I’ve brought all my medication with me from Rawalpindi, but I often forget to take it. Humaira, my wife, always reprimands me for being so absent-minded.’

Toshi smiled. ‘I can’t blame her,’ she said. ‘So, you’re from Rawalpindi? My family lived there once.’

‘Ah. I assume you left during the Partition. Whereabouts did you live?’

‘Near Kohati Bazar.’

‘That’s not very far from where we are. Perhaps you should think of visiting sometime.’

‘Oh, I don’t think so. There’s nothing left for me to go back for,’ said Toshi flatly. ‘So, what brings you to London?’

‘Well, I’m here for an art exhibition. It’s at the Aicon Gallery this Friday,’ said Habib. ‘Do come if you’re free.’

‘You’re an artist, then?’

‘Some deluded people seem to think so. I live in dread of being caught out, every day,’ said Habib, smiling. ‘This exhibition, however, does include some truly gifted artists from the subcontinent. There will be a display of cityscapes of Rawalpindi and Amritsar. By artists from both sides of the border. Do drop by with your family, if you have an hour or so to spare.’

Toshi smiled. ‘That’s very kind of you to invite us.’

Just then, Jai trotted up to Toshi, ‘Badi Ma, you simply have to try this quiche. It’s made of the most delicious cottage cheese—you’re going to love it.’

He handed her a mini quiche and took a big bite of his own.

‘Hmm. Now I understand why you were away for so long, Jai,’ said Toshi. ‘By the way, do you remember we met this gentleman?’

Before Jai could reply, Inaya hove into his view, shoelaces undone and flyaway hair unrulier than ever.

‘Daada, they’re selling autographed posters of the cricketers. Can I get one, please?’

‘Is your practice over, Inaya?’ asked Habib.

‘Yes, Daada, thanks for watching. Not!’ She grinned impudently at her grandfather. It was only then that she noticed Jai and Toshi—and did a double take.

‘Hey, it’s you again!’ said Inaya, crossing her arms belligerently as she turned to Jai. ‘Did you send the legs of raan to your Indian bowlers yet?’

Jai cursed under his breath. Over seven billion people in the world; why was it that he always ended up running into this unsavoury sample?

Habib put an arm around Inaya’s shoulders to gently rein her in, but Inaya was on a roll.

‘Perhaps you could parcel over some rogan josh to up their josh?’