‘What does?’ asked Inaya.

‘Our grandparents being siblings makes us cousins,’ Jai repeated.

‘That’s really weird. But you know what—I feel a bit sorry for them. I mean, I don’t have a brother—Zain’s probably the closest I have to a brother. And he’s pretty annoying, but I just can’t imagine not seeing him for the rest of my life.’

‘Is Zain your cousin?’

‘He’s actually my neighbour. He’s quite a pain on most days. But he’s the one who secretly lent me his cricket bat when Abba wouldn’t buy me one, and he’d let me watch him at the nets when he was being coached. That’s how I learnt most of my cricket. So, he’s all right, I guess.’

‘He doesn’t sound too bad. So, you like Jhulan Goswami, huh?’

‘Do you know her?’ gushed Inaya.

‘I know of her, even though I’m not a cricket fan. If you come to India, I’ll travel with you to go and meet her, if you like?’

‘You’d do that?’

‘Sure. I’ve always wanted to try authentic Bengali food.’

Inaya rolled her eyes heavenwards in a mute prayer for strength.

‘I actually have so many Indian cricketers whom I want to meet,’ she said. ‘Wouldn’t it be so much fun if I could actually come?’

‘Do it. My parents could help arrange your visa. And now we’re family. You have even more reason to visit.’

‘You should also come to Pakistan,’ said Inaya. ‘Come and see Nabeel’s Kitchen, if nothing else!’

‘That sounds great! And it needn’t end with that. You know what we should do?’ said Jai, an idea taking shape in his head.

‘Don’t tell me you’re planning to secretly live in her kitchen forever . . . ’

‘Do you think I’m crazy?’

‘Well, you do have some bizarre ideas.’

‘Jai and Inaya,’ interrupted Toshi. ‘We need your help. We need to break the news to the rest of the family. Any suggestions as to the best way we can do this?’

‘Do it on the day we’re leaving,’ said Jai. ‘Let’s enjoy the rest of the holiday.’

Inaya burst out laughing. ‘I agree with him,’ she said. ‘For once.’

‘Be nice, Inaya,’ chided her grandfather.

‘That’s like asking a fish to climb a tree,’ said Jai.

‘I’m sure that even fish know more about cricket than you do,’ retorted Inaya.

‘Breaking news: Cricket does not make the world go round. There are many other interests that people have,’ retaliated Jai.

‘What do you have against each other?’ said Habib, shaking his head in despair.

‘It’s a long story, Daada,’ replied Inaya, grinning.

‘So, can we meet tomorrow as well?’ asked Toshi.

‘Of course,’ said Habib.

‘Do we have to?’ groaned Jai and Inaya, almost in perfect synchrony.

Four’s Company

The next morning, the foursome met again on the pretext of a shopping expedition. While Toshi and Habib chatted over a cup of tea in the basement café at Marks & Spencer, Jai and Inaya strolled aimlessly through the aisles to pass the time. There was pet food on one side and detergents on the other. Inaya distractedly picked up a can of cat food and looked at the ingredients.