Saturday, May 21

Overenthusiasm led me to ask Rajeev to collect me at 13:15. Over-overenthusiasm led him to arrive at 13:05. I got to the Subash Centre at about 13:15, where a woman stood next to me for ten minutes patiently waiting for her to give me money. I understood that this constituted a formalised gesture and smiled sweetly. She smiled back and left, walking further down the alley.

Farhan arrived and showed me how to get the keys to the centre and, more importantly, who to get them off. I now know.

Simi and Lekshmi arrived and we all started setting up the tables. Simi had phoned around all the students and told me that four of them could not come today: emergency rehearsal for a physics exam; church events; an ill grandmother who needed looking after.

I photograph them while they work. One new girl, Needhu, will arrive, and everyone will get the help they need. Later Rajeev will take me to Divine Supermarket where I will buy the fresh ingredients I need to make a big bowl of dal.

I will make enough for about five portions and then eat about two of them. Spicy? I should say so.