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Shop,’ said Bahadur, pointing towards the main gate. ‘I work there, morning, afternoon and sometimes Sunday.’
    ‘But are we allowed to go there?’ Mili asked.
    ‘Yes, yes. It is just outside gate. Is part of school. Sometimes they serve hot food. And their sandwiches also nice.’
    ‘Thanks, Bahadur. I’m sure I’ll be one of their most frequent customers.’ So saying, she went inside.
    Just as she was getting into bed, a fair-haired, stocky girl entered their room. She had an exceptionally long nose but, overall, a pretty face. Until she opened her mouth. And her squeaky voice made you cringe.
    ‘Hello, I’m Angel, your room-mate,’ she said. ‘I know I’m the last to arrive but I didn’t think they’d make me share a room with natives,’ she scowled.
    Mili did not say anything but turned her gaze to Vicky who was glaring at their new room-mate over the rim of her glasses.
    ‘We aren’t delighted either, at having to share it with an Angrez,’ said Vicky.
    Angel looked up at the ceiling and said, ‘And we’ve got the freakiest room in the hostel.’
    ‘What d’you mean?’ asked Vicky.
    ‘This is the only room in the entire hostel that has one of those fan things on the ceiling,’ replied Angel.
    ‘Oh, I didn’t even notice it. I wonder why?’ said Mili.
    ‘Maybe because it’s always had inmates full of hot air,’ laughed Angel.
    Mili raised her eyebrows at Vicky. Vicky shrugged her shoulders as they watched Angel leave the room to fetch her luggage.
    Mili looked at the fan again. Angel was right. Summers were cool and pleasant in Kishangarh. None of the houses there had fans. And definitely not ceiling fans. She wondered why this one had been installed. Maybe the room had been built for someone special. Or perhaps it was a mistake. She wasn’t sure. But of one thing she was certain – she and Vicky were never going to be great friends with Angel.
    Mili got into bed and rolled over on her side. Her stomach growled. She wondered if Vicky had heard it. But she was fast asleep. While she was wide awake. How was she ever going to fall asleep on an empty stomach?And on a mattress that felt as hard and cold as the marble-topped dining table at home? She missed her soft eiderdown pillow and her white Rajasthani quilt with golden tassels. Next time she went home, she would remember to bring it along. It was one of her prized possessions. She had used it ever since she was two. It was soft and warm and whenever she snuggled into it she felt as though she had put her head on Ma’s lap.
    On the last night at the palace, Ma had come to her at bedtime, followed by Bhoomi, carrying a glass of milk.
    ‘Ma, I’m not a kid any more,’ Mili had protested.
    Ma lovingly pulled her cheeks and said, ‘Mili, let me fuss over you while I can. You will go away tomorrow. Then who am I going to spoil?’
    ‘Ma, don’t say such things. I’ll get all mushy,’ said Mili.
    ‘Remember to have milk twice a day at the hostel as well,’ said Ma. ‘And don’t start drinking tea or coffee like Vicky. Otherwise my fair and beautiful girl will become dark. Then how will we find a suitable boy for her?’
    Tears rolled down Mili’s cheeks. Oh, Lord Kishan, you have no idea how much I’m missing Ma . She buried her chin in the rough, scratchy blanket and tried to get some sleep.
    A noise woke her up. It was the fan. It was whirring slowly. Then faster. And faster. The room began to turn icy cold as it rotated faster and faster. A cold chill ran down her back. Her teeth began to chatter and she shivered from the cold. And yet the fan continued to move faster. And faster. And then it fell on top of her. Her eyes flew open. She sat up. Thank you , Lord Kishan, it was just a dream . She leant over and shook Vicky hard.
    ‘What is it?’ Vicky mumbled sleepily.
    ‘The fan. It’s weird. Scary. I think it’s haunted.’
    ‘Stop talking nonsense, Mili,’ said Vicky, going back to sleep.
    Mili lay back and looked at