‘Simmi is helping Mini out with the housework today—would you like your paranthas now or later, Momji?’ I ask, trying to divert her attention away from the children.

‘Goodness gracious lord, Polly, I can’t eat paranthas first thing in the morning! At least let me have a cup of tea first—unless you’re in a hurry to leave for work?’ Dragon asks with mock innocence.

Oh this woman makes me want to grit my teeth and … I smile at Dragon.

‘One hot cup of tea coming up. Mini—one more cup please,’ I yell out.

Five minutes later Simmi brings out the tea—two cups on a tray—and places it on the dining table.

Dragon looks up from the newspaper she’s been reading and eyes Simmi.

‘Namaste Mataji,’ Simmi says.

Dragon nods at her imperiously.

‘Is this Mini’s oldest?’ Dragon asks me. I nod.

‘How old is she?’ she asks again.

‘I am seventeen years old in two months, Mataji,’ Simmi fills in.

Dragon ignores Simmi and starts reading the paper again.

‘Mini should get her married off,’ Dragon suddenly says. ‘Young girls in the slums usually run off or get pregnant if they’re single for too long.’

‘What are you saying, Momji?’ I gasp.

‘It’s a well-known fact,’ Dragon says conversationally. ‘These people cannot control their urges.’

I am too shocked for words. Mini comes out of the kitchen holding two cups in her hand—her expression clearly says she’s heard Dragon’s words as well.

‘The dishes are done, didi. We’ll quickly drink our tea and then complete the rest of the housework—it won’t make you late for work I hope?’ Mini asks me softly.

I smile at her. I really want to apologize to her but I can’t do it with Dragon around. I fervently hope Mini understands my position.

‘No it’s all right, you finish your tea. Meanwhile I’ll make paranthas for Momji’s breakfast,’ I say to Mini.

Simmi takes the cups from Mini and they both walk towards the courtyard.

Cheeku runs up to her mother and holds her leg.

‘Biskut?’ the little girl asks Mini.

‘Shh, don’t be greedy,’ Mini admonishes her.

‘Arre zara ruko,’ Dragon calls out, asking them to stop. Both Mini and Simmi stop and look around at her inquisitively.

Dragon seems to stare at the cups Simmi is holding—then she looks at me horrified.

‘Are they drinking in the same cups as us? What happened to the cups I’d kept aside for maid-use?’ Dragon asks pointing at the cups in Simmi’s hands.

‘What maid-use cups?’ I ask—I have no idea what she’s talking about.

‘The last time I was here—just last month—I kept aside some cups that these people could use …’ Dragon says. She marches into the kitchen and returns carrying two cups, both chipped and with their handles broken and thrusts them at Simmi.