‘I think she suspects that, and it makes her angry. When he wouldn’t even look at the matches she suggested to him, she decided he too had no sense of responsibility. His only interest is in slapping paint on paper she says. So there’s no point asking him for his opinion on serious matters. Ai thinks she’s terribly unlucky to have produced two irresponsible children like us. I haven’t been able to budge her even a fraction from her complete mistrust of me. Ashesh doesn’t even try to do that. So what can we do to prevent whatever’s happening in Surgaon from happening?’

Bachchu Kaka wipes the sweat off the top of his head. ‘You’re right. I’ve never understood why Shankar had to give Sindhutai sole rights over all the property. We believe we know our loved ones. But they suddenly throw us a googly that leaves us stumped. Oh well, I must leave. If I get to the terminus early enough I might beat the crowd to a seat. Crowds scare me now.’

Bachchu Kaka gets up and stands still till his knees loosen. His eyes are on Ashesh’s painting.

‘Kaka, you’ve said nothing specific about what’s worrying you. I’m going to Surgaon next week. What do you think I should do?’

‘Don’t make it a rushed visit. Keep your eyes peeled and ears pricked. Then decide for yourself what you have to . . . or can . . . do.’

Bachchu Kaka is still staring at Ashesh’s painting.

‘Ashesh doesn’t play with colour these days. Is he disturbed?’

‘No more than an artist should be.’

‘If he has an old unsold painting like this one, please tell him I’d like to have it. My room looks bare now.’

‘Why? Where’re the books?’

‘Given away. Getting ready to depart.’

‘Depart? Where are you off to?’

Bachchu Kaka points to the floor. ‘To that place reserved for atheists.’ He’s still laughing as he leaves.

Anima goes to the kitchen. She finishes making the suralichya vadya in an uneasy state of mind. She tastes a roll. Smiles. Her mind is uneasy but her hands have done their work. The roll is silky smooth, bright yellow and flavourful, the tempering of asafoetida and mustard seeds crackling between her teeth.

In the living room, she wonders what heritage of Anna’s Bachchu Kaka was referring to. Is Ai all right? She didn’t appear too well when Anima saw her last.