‘I’m good, thanks,’ I said but my reply was lost as Rohan said, ‘Salt? What salt? Mum…?’ He looked from Meena to me and back. I opened my mouth but Meena said, ‘For the spirits, beta. Like nannima used to do. Remember? But, look, Mili will be here any minute. I need to get started. We’ll talk about it later.’

She rubbed her hands together and led the way to the kitchen. Rohan looked at me and licked his lips; when it came to his mum’s cooking, he was like one of Pavlov’s dogs. Meena pointed to three large Tupperware tubs on the table.

‘Samosas, aloo vadas and pakoras. These I cooked at home.’

Rohan ripped the lid off one of the boxes and stuffed a samosa into his mouth. ‘Delicious.’

‘Ronu! Plate! And put the chutneys into dishes!’ Meena snapped. She was already tying on an apron and pulling out pans. As she clattered about, I swiped a pakora and then a vada. They were still warm, and better than anything you’d get from a restaurant.

‘So, how are you, Abigail?’ Meena said.

‘Good.’

‘Where’s Dad gone?’ Rohan asked.

‘For a walk. His BP is a little raised – nothing to worry about. Doctor told him he should take some exercise every day so he’s walking around the block. Does Abigail look thin to you, Ronu?’

I widened my eyes at Rohan and coughed to make the point that I was in fact present in the room.

‘New York’s great, thanks for asking,’ Rohan said, winking at me. ‘The work’s hard, but I’m loving living in the city. Can I help you with anything?’

‘Nay. Good, beta. Do you think she’s okay? I mean, I’ve been worried. Look at her. So gaunt. Just skin and bone. Losing her memory, too.’

‘The apartment’s fantastic. It’s got a pool and amazing views of the river.’

Meena turned to Rohan then, her hands on her hips. ‘Ronu, why don’t you want to talk about Abigail? Is there something you’re both not telling me?’ Hope flashed in her eyes. ‘Is it morning sickness? Like that Kate Middleton when she had to go on bed rest?’ Finally she turned to me. ‘Is that why you’re so thin? You’re vomiting?’