It was futile to say a word. I took out one of Mohini’s novels and flipped through the pages.

Five minutes later Mummy came and took my hands in hers. “You can go to Sarina’s house tomorrow, but be back around five.”

I was surprised Mummy gave me permission after I had talked back to her. Did she realize how much work I was doing these days, and feel guilty? Or did she remember how it was when she was my age, and want me to be happy? No matter what the reason, I was glad Mummy had changed her mind.

fifteen

IN THE MORNING I helped Mummy before I went to Sarina’s house. When I left at ten, the heat bit and pinched my neck and my back. Sarina poured me a tall glass of green mango drink, and we sat on her bed.

I touched the icy glass to my cheeks and let the heat evaporate.

“I’m glad you came today, because we’re leaving for Mount Abu tomorrow,” Sarina said.

Mount Abu was not too far from Nathdwara, where we’d gone for the haircutting ceremony for Chiraj and Vivek.

“That’ll be fun,” I said, wishing that I could get out of burning Mumbai.

“Neel wants to know if you can meet him the day after tomorrow.”

“Unless the sky collapses, there’s no chance I can convince Mummy.”

“Try.”

“Why isn’t he here?” I said. I had been hoping Neel would come around noon and stay until five.

“He’s not coming.”

I was so disappointed, I didn’t want Sarina to see my face. I took a big sip of my drink and kept my face covered with my glass. I kept on drinking until I’d finished the sour green mango juice sweetened with brown sugar.

“Why not?” I said when I was done.

“Ask him when you see him.”

Sarina had promised to change my mood. So far she hadn’t helped. Both of us sat quietly and avoided looking at each other.

Finally she spoke. “I’m tired of being a messenger. It’d be nice if you and Neel would discuss your own plans.”

“I would, but Mummy—”

“That doesn’t mean I have to answer to both of you, does it? I don’t like being a go-between.”

“You don’t have to. I’ll talk to Neel,” I said. “Besides, you’re leaving tomorrow, so you won’t have to worry about us for a while.”

Sarina looked as though she were fighting tears. I realized how occupied I’d been with my own feelings. When I was with Neel it was as if the whole world slipped away. Sarina must feel lonely when she’s with us, I thought. Sarina had been so good to me and I’d been too selfish to care.

“What will you do in Mount Abu for ten days?” I asked.

“Horseback riding, and walking.”