November 13. “Friend, what is that tortoise doing on your table top?”

“It was given to sir by a friend and it is meant to bring good luck.”

“That means you are superstitious. I also notice that you’ve kept it at a particular angle! What is it made of?”

“I must confide that I am superstitious when it comes to the family. I also read somewhere that keeping it at a north-east angle brings pots of luck. If I am not mistaken, it is made of jade. Are you superstitious?”

“Not in the least. But I must say the tortoise is cute.”

“A friend of ours in Kolkata had a live tortoise at home. It would amble around the house the whole day. I’ve always wanted to keep one at our place too but have not done so yet because we have dogs at home.”

“You must keep one if you feel strongly about it.”

“I don’t think it is legal to keep tortoises as pets.”