Word of the missing plate spread quickly and later that evening, Maya and Mrs Bansal came over for chai. Unlike the matchbox-like, three-storeyed faculty building of Sumi’s parents’ house, houses in Shantinagar took their space. Mahima, Maya and Mrs Bansal were like sisters. Mrs Bansal had fair skin and every passing year deposited a layer of prosperity around her middle. Maya’s house, on the other hand, was tastefully decorated with artisan furniture, not expensive but beautiful.