The poem doesn't explicitly state what Malabar misses about his wife, but it offers clues through imagery and tone. Here are some interpretations:
* Physical intimacy: The poem is full of sensual imagery like "the sun's heavy love" and "the taste of your flesh." This suggests Malabar yearns for his wife's physical presence and the intimacy they shared.
* Emotional connection: The poem's melancholic tone and Malabar's longing for his wife imply he misses her companionship, love, and the emotional comfort she provided.
* Familiarity and routine: Malabar's thoughts drift to domestic details like "your hands...in the water...washing the rice" and "the familiar sounds of our lives." This suggests he misses the routine and comfort of their shared life in Calcutta.
* A sense of home: The poem uses the image of a "foreign city" to represent Malabar's sense of being out of place. This indicates he associates Calcutta with home and a feeling of belonging he doesn't have in Bombay.
In essence, Malabar misses the total package of his wife's presence, including her physical intimacy, emotional support, shared life, and the feeling of home she represents.
The poem leaves some ambiguity, allowing the reader to fill in the blanks with their own understanding of love, longing, and the complexities of relationships.