‘Water first. Then talk.’ Bachchu Kaka throws himself into a chair.

‘Oops! Sorry.’ Anima runs into the kitchen.

‘Lovely. You’ve put khus in it.’ Bachchu Kaka downs the whole glassful in a series of quick gulps. ‘Now you may tell me about that sex maniac. I hope he’s not troubling Marli and Girji. You never know . . .’

‘For heaven’s sake, Kaka!’

‘Heaven’s sake? Why? But never mind. Let’s hear his praises.’

‘I wasn’t praising anybody. Just saying he’s asked me to bring suralichya vadya for the party.’

‘And you’re making them.’

‘Can I say go to hell I won’t?’

‘Of course you can’t. Women love dancing around that kind of man. The more intelligent and capable they are the more giddily they dance.’

‘He’s a fine artist, Kaka. Everybody has their faults. He likes women.’

‘Likes? We like women too. But that doesn’t mean we . . . never mind. So you’re making suralichya vadya. How long will that take? I have to catch the Flying Ranee from Bombay Central at 5.55. I want to have a few words with you before that.’

‘Why a few? Have hundreds of words with me. The vadya are not important.’

‘Oh? Well, well. The old man gets ranked above the evergreen playboy.’

‘The vadya can wait because once the batter’s spread, the stuffing, cutting, rolling and tempering can be done later.’

‘Is there no limit to your honesty? I gave up telling your father that. Never mind. Sit here and listen. When was the last time you went to Surgaon?’

‘Last month.’

‘Did you notice any change in the way your mother spoke or behaved?’

‘I did sense something, but couldn’t put my finger on exactly what. Why do you ask?’

‘She’s completely under Doctor Bhaskar’s sway.’

‘Whose sway?’

‘Dr Bhaskar.’ Bachchu Kaka takes a deep breath. ‘First understand what kind of creature this Bhaskar fellow is. I’ve felt uneasy about him from the time he came to our district supposedly to work for the Warlis. I began to make inquiries. I’ve managed to trace him back to where he comes from. America. He was a doctor in a hospital in the town where our Sandesh Siddhapure lives. Sandesh has given me the complete picture—front view, side view, everything.’

Bachchu Kaka has a coughing fit. Clearing his throat, he says, ‘Would you happen to have honey in the house?’

‘Of course.’ Anima gets up.

‘Where are you going? First listen. One teaspoonful of honey in a glass of warm water.’

‘Kaka, let me get you tea.’

‘Get me tea when I ask for it. Now I’m asking for warm water and honey.’