Salma felt, again, the wash of sadness. Iman mattered to her and she had thought, and all the evidence pointed to the fact, that Iman was dependent on her. Now this was an illusion. And if their old relationship was untenable, was there anything left that could replace it? ‘She is not good at articulating her thoughts,’ said Salma. ‘I’ve learnt not only to listen to the words that she’s saying. With her, actions speak louder than words.’

‘She’s praying again,’ said Moni. Yesterday Iman had a bath and washed her hair. Her period had lasted six days.

‘Yes, I noticed,’ said Salma. ‘And that reassured me.’

‘It happens,’ said Moni. ‘Friends on social media. Suddenly there’s an updated photo and they’re not wearing it any more. The pressure, I guess, especially in the US or France.’

‘Iman doesn’t have that excuse.’ Salma was surprised at herself. Why could she not be more forgiving? It was not as if she was blameless herself, immune to temptation. When it came to Amir, she could find a thousand excuses for herself. Another thousand for not giving him up.

‘I have something to tell you,’ Moni said. ‘It’s a deadlock now between me and Murtada. I won’t go join him in Saudi and he’s not accepting any other arrangement. I have to do what’s best for Adam’s health.’

This sudden announcement, though not surprising in itself, caused Salma to snap back to herself. ‘Don’t rush this, Moni. It’s hard enough caring for a disabled child without being a single mother as well. Try and see things from Murtada’s point of view.’

‘I’m already a single mother,’ she said. ‘Considering his input and interest.’

‘I don’t think divorce is a good option for you of all people.’

‘Why not?’

‘Don’t take this wrong, but how many men are going to marry a woman with a disabled child? If you give up ­Murtada, there will be no substitute for him. You’ll be a divorcee for the rest of your life.’

‘So what?’

‘You mean this? You’ll be fine with celibacy? Fine with not having any more children?’

‘Isn’t this exactly what my life is like now?’ Moni gave a bitter laugh.

‘But you can reverse it. It’s in your hands. What Murtada wants from you is not unreasonable.’

Moni picked up Salma’s empty teacup and took it to the kitchen. Was she rattled by what Salma had said? Maybe, maybe not.