A fourteen year old girl is the un-named narrator of the story. She is good friends with Ammini, the “old woman” across the street from her grandmother’s house. They use to play house and other games as well as cook together but this year Ammini is tired most of the time. Her husband, who the narrator calls “Dragon” for his meanness, keeps asking the girl to leave saying that Ammini is tired and needs her rest.
“Married at nine, she came to the dragon’s house in the village with festive pomp and fanfare. She chattered and laughed with abandon, played pranks on her doting father-in-law. They played hide and seek in the garden, the old man gasping for breath as he ran. “In a year’s time, the old man died. With the father-in-law gone, the elders in the house unleashed their pent-up anger. They snatched her toys; they took away all privileges. They drummed wifely sense through a routine of penance. No more sweets. A Hindu wife learns to shed attachments from her past. She learns to please, prepares to be a mother.”
The writing of this story is beautiful and so descriptive and the characters are well drawn out. I started to care for them in a very short time. I really didn’t want this story to end. Highly recommended! I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the stories.
Short Story Monday is hosted by John at The Book Mine Set.
From the little piece you shared it does look like it could be an emotional glimpse into these characters’ lives. Sounds good.
Sounds like an interesting story and collection. Stories about arranged marriages always gives me a chill.
John, it is really good.
Loni, me too! So far I am really enjoying the collection.
Another wonderful recommendation, Teddy.
Stopping by after today’s post about the whole collection. It does sound like a very emotional, but good, read.
Patricia, I hope you get to read it.
Julia, it is!