Through a window he saw a large, opulent banquet hall. On the walls were old books and paintings. He saw a blazing yellow star with the letter G in the centre. He stood very still as he heard chanting. Prominent men who looked vaguely familiar appeared to be reciting or singing a prayer in another language that Govinda didn’t recognise. He saw his father amongst other men. The men wore robes, ornaments and hats. Some wore thick necklaces. Govinda felt alarmed. He recognised some of the men inside. He had seen them talking to his father before. The men inside seemed important and they appeared to be very sincere in what they were doing yet he knew that he was not supposed to be seeing them like this. They were involved in a ritual that they did not want others to be a part of. Instinctively he turned and ran down the drive, where the watchman had returned to his post. ‘What are you doing? You are not invited here,’ the watchman said.

‘I was telling the boy exactly this,’ said Ashok, who remained near the gate, breathing heavily. ‘His father, Sunil Seth, is inside so he is not listening to me.’

‘Why can’t I go in?’ asked Govinda.

‘You are not old enough,’ Ashok replied.

The chauffeur grabbed Govinda and pushed him away from the entrance. ‘Can’t you leave your father alone? He is trying to do what is best.’

‘I don’t like this place. I never get to spend time with him,’ complained Govinda.

‘The trouble is men don’t get to do what they should and that is to be men. Sometimes a man’s family can make him sick if he cannot express himself.’ Ashok, short of breath, grabbed at his chest in irritation.

That’s not fair, thought Govinda, but he remained quiet. Reluctantly he waited in the car for his father. When Sunil Seth returned, Govinda was not sure if he was more troubled by his meeting at the lodge or by his son’s behaviour. Govinda wished he had never left the car. No one spoke.

At home Govinda was ordered to go straight to bed, where he lay awake. He could barely hear his parents, but occasionally he picked out phrases.

‘He embarrassed me.’

‘He is your son.’

‘It is nothing more than a fraternity of men.’

‘This freemasonry is far too shadowy.’

Their voices grew louder and more animated. His father announced he had a big plan, ‘I have two options: let’s move to Australia or to England.’

Gitanjali responded, ‘What do you think? I don’t like either option.’