“She’s lost some weight. Otherwise, I think she’s fine.”

“As soon as we get her home we’ll take care of her weight.”

“Will everything work out?”

“Absolutely. I’ll make sure it does. You’re my brave little tiger,” he said, putting his hand on my head.

“What about Mummy?”

“You haven’t said a word to her?”

“No. I wasn’t sure how she’d react. I didn’t want her to be upset.”

“Yes, that’s true,” he said, looking out the window. A couple of pigeons were cooing and fluttering about. I don’t think Pappa saw them. He was in his own shell of thoughts.

“You did the right thing,” he said, taking a deep breath. “At present, let’s tell everyone that Mohini missed us and is visiting us. I will tell Mummy the truth in a few days.”

“Why not now?”

“I’m afraid when Mummy finds out what happened she will ask too many questions and make Mohini miserable. Let Mohini recover first.”

When Mummy saw Mohini she rushed to give her a hug, saying, “It is good to have you back. Anoop is wonderful to send you home so soon!”

Mohini cringed as tears rolled out of her eyes. The next day Mummy made Mohini’s favorite dishes.

sixteen

THE FOLLOWING MONDAY, our exam results were announced. On that day I woke up early and waited by the door for the newspaper. I grabbed the paper from the carrier and searched for my number in second class. It was not there. I looked in the third class and it was not there. I nearly collapsed. What if I’d failed? With trembling hands I flipped to the previous page, looked up, and saw that my number was in first class with a D next to it! I’d passed with distinction! I closed the newspaper, opened it again, and checked my number. It was still there. I had to believe it. As expected, Sarina passed with distinction, too. The phone rang and it was Sarina, happy and excited for both of us. As soon as I hung up, Neel called to congratulate me.

“Who was that?” Mummy asked.

“Sarina’s cousin.”

“Oh, to congratulate you, I suppose.”

“Yes. Isn’t it wonderful, Mummy? I can go to any college I want and study whatever I want to.”

“Sure,” she said. “If you get a Bachelor of Science, half of our problem is solved.”

“I want to study law.”

“Ja, ja, nonsense! Can you honestly see yourself arguing . . .” She stopped in midsentence. “I suppose you would make a good lawyer, but it won’t do. A science degree is all you need. Law school is a long ladder that you’ll never climb.”

“Why won’t I? I’m determined to become a lawyer.”