‘Anyway, I’ve just remembered. Speaking of children, I’ve something to tell you.’ She paused, making sure she had our attention, then continued. ‘So, I was at a coffee morning the other day – just a small one, a charity thing where they sell goods made by those ladies in villages all over the world? You know, like that embroidered bookmark I got you? Anyway, this time it was quite good. There were hats – what do you call them? Panama, like the canal? Oh, and earrings. Very nice earrings. I got some for myself, actually.’ She touched her ear but realized she was wearing her usual gold studs. ‘Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, coffee morning. So the point is – Jyothi Aunty was there.’

She said this last bit with an exaggerated nod that made me think I was supposed to know the significance of Jyothi Aunty being there. My eyes slid to Rohan. He was only half listening since he was accepting the drinks from the waiter; directing the glasses of white wine to Mili and me, the juice to his mum and taking a long swig of his own pint of lager.

‘Okay,’ he said, rolling his lips to remove the froth.

‘So,’ said Meena, as if she was starting to tell a really interesting story. ‘Do you remember Jyothi Aunty’s son, Anouj?’

‘Mmm-hmm,’ said Rohan. ‘How could I forget? All those times you rammed us together at dinners and weddings. Wonderful Anouj.’

‘Accountant Anouj with the “good prospects” and the “Mercedes saloon”,’ said Mili with an eye-roll.

Meena glared at both of them. ‘Anyway,’ she said, ‘Anouj is married now – to a very nice girl – and his wife’s just announced she’s expecting.’ She sat back with a big smile as if Anouj’s purpose in the world was now complete.

‘How lovely,’ I said.

‘But – the interesting thing is,’ Meena continued, ‘and this is confidential, of course, because I’d never gossip about such things – but apparently they’d been trying for over a year. And then they saw a doctor, a very well-respected specialist – and look, the proof’s in the pudding – or the bun in the oven!’ She laughed at her own joke then carried on, ‘Because she’s now passed her twelve-week scan.’

‘You make it sound like a degree,’ said Mili darkly.

‘Okay,’ Rohan said. ‘That’s great news. Do wish them well from us.’

‘Harley Street,’ said Meena, nodding. ‘I got his number. I hope you don’t mind. He’s not cheap, and he has a long waiting list, but it’s worth a try, wouldn’t you say?’ She leaned back with a big smile and a nod, and folded her arms.