It was the day after Rawat's unwelcome intrusion. There was a let up in the visits of condolers. Sameer sat on his desk in the bedroom, checking his e-mails. More to distract himself than to get anything useful accomplished. Pari came in and hugged him from behind.

He patted her hand. "Did you have lunch?"

She nodded.

He turned and winked at her. "I want ice cream."

Nirula's was two blocks away. They walked together, her hand in his. A hawker announced ...