The guests had eaten. The family had eaten. The help had their meal. But no one thought of Kaki. Only little Ladli felt both sorrow and surprise at her parent's behaviour. Why hadn't they fed Kaki ? Why hadn't Kaki been allowed to eat before the guests had been served? Ladli had hidden her share of puris in a basket for Kaki.

It was eleven in the night. Roopa was fast asleep in the...