November 29. “Button, you know that I have a mother in Kolkata. She is 83 years old—in good health except for a nagging back problem: Touchwood!

Her mind is razor sharp and she still does lots of chores at home to keep herself busy. She spends six months in Kolkata with my younger sister and six months here with me. I spoke to her some time back.”

“I have seen her. The last time she was here, you called her to the study to show her some clips on your desktop and I was standing at the doorway. She’s the lady in the white sari.”

”You’re right.”

“Where’s sir and your elder daughter?”

“Gone out for a bit. Should be back anytime now.”

“And another week begins tomorrow. There’s just a month and one day left for this year to end. Let’s hope 2010 is a better and safer year.”

“Better in what sense, Button? Every year has its ups and downs. Let’s hope the ups next year exceed the downs!”

“Cross my fingers.”