The quote describes a character who uses her hands to calculate the time difference between her current location and Calcutta, India. This act of calculating time becomes a tactile experience as she touches the rungs of her fingers, symbolizing her connection to her homeland. By stopping at the middle of the third rung, she realizes that it is already evening in Calcutta, specifically half past eight, emphasizing a sense of distance and longing.

This moment highlights the theme of displacement within the narrative. The protagonist's act of measuring time in this manner reveals both a longing for home and the challenges faced in navigating different cultures and time zones. It reflects the impact of immigration on personal identity and the emotional ties to one’s roots, encapsulating the struggle of balancing the present with memories of the past.