“Rohan,” she said quietly, the loudness finally gone. “Your father’s knee is hurting again. Don’t tell him I told you. Just order that oil from the internet. And Kavya needs new shoes. The left one is not lost. It is torn. She was embarrassed.”

She poured it anyway. Two cups. The elaichi -spiced tea was scalding.

Kavya didn’t blink. “Yes. But there is a handling charge , a teacher’s birthday fund , and a chaat break after school. The market rate is ₹500.”