But it was the monsoon now and the plants on my balcony were free from any grime. In fact, they were flourishing. Now, at this moment, they seemed so happy to be close to me. All nodding and smiling in the cool breeze.

Was I upset? Was I upset at the thought of having to leave these plants? Would I find a house in the next two days with space for them, these glowing plants that had been reborn in the rains? If not, would I abandon them, leaving them to die for lack of water after the rains ended? Or should I tell the durwan to take them away? All they needed to stay alive was a little water at the end of each day, nothing more.

How many things could I possibly pack into the next two days? Look for a flat, pack up my belongings, make arrangements for the plants … Would I be able to get it all done?

The white kochupata plant was dying. I had revived it with great effort. Five of its leaves were now fully open, with another one halfway there. If this sixth leaf managed to unfold, I’d know for sure that the plant was completely healthy. Would it happen within the next two days?

The vendor had said that blue flowers would bloom all year round on the hanging vine. Were year-round flowers just a dream? Would I have to leave before the flowers bloomed? Impossible!

No, I couldn’t leave in two days. I wouldn’t. The phone rang in the hall. Who else could it be so early in the morning but you? Who else do I know in this city, anyway? I turned to answer the phone, walking towards it slowly.

‘It’s absolutely no use being angry with you. It’s stupid,’ you said. You laughed. You didn’t sleep at all last night, did you? Instead, you thought of me, didn’t you? You wanted to call, you didn’t want to call. You battled with yourself – I could tell.

‘What are you trying to say?’ I asked. I laughed. I hadn’t slept last night either. Instead, I’d thought of you. I’d wanted to leave, but I had to change my decision for the sake of the plants. For the sake of the plants.

‘Have you taken your medicine?’

‘Yes. I think I have a fever, my eyes are smarting. My whole body aches.’

‘I’m calling the doctor right away …’

‘No, let it be … I’ll be fine.’

‘Are you mad? Haven’t you heard about this viral fever going round? Listen, let’s take a break after your surgery. We could go to the jungle … or the hills? It’s been a long time.’

‘For how long?’

‘A month, say?’

‘So long?’

‘Why not?’

‘What about my plants?’

‘What? I can’t hear you properly, the line’s bad …’

‘All right, I’ll put the plants out in the passage. I’ll tell the durwan to water them every day.’

‘What?’

‘Nothing.’

‘Listen, you wouldn’t have said what you said yesterday if that wasn’t how you really felt. But I’m not angry now. What’s the use of being angry with you, anyway? I can’t live without you, after all. It’s not possible any more.’