I had zero interest in cookbooks. Once Aparna was convinced I didn’t care for the books, she dropped them off by Seema’s bed. Then she rushed back to me and told me about school in whispers. Nazia had called on the landline and my mother had told her I was in the hospital. ‘Does she know which hospital?’ ‘Hmmm.’ ‘Is she going to visit?’ She shrugged. That put me in a better mood. My mother was talking to Seema, but her eyes were on me and my sister. So, I lowered my voice too.