Summary

Once in a Lifetime – A little girl named Hema is six years old in 1974 when nine year-old Kaushik and his family return to Calcutta from Cambridge. Hema’s family throws Kaushik’s family a farewell party, their mothers having met in a park while Hema’s mother was pregnant with Hema. After the party, Kaushik’s father drives people home, relishing his last chance to drive the family car. Several years later, Kaushik’s family decides to return to America. No one knows why, but Hema’s parents and others in the Bengali community know it is impossible to ever go back.

Kaushik and his family will be staying with Hema’s family for the time being. Hema, now thirteen, will stay in her parents’ room on a cot, while Kaushik takes over...