Shabanu

Chapter 1 It has not rained for two years, so Shabanu’s family starts to pack for Dingarh because there is not enough water to survive much longer. Phulan is to be married to Hamir, and Shabanu is to be married to Murad, Hamir’s brother. That night while they are sleeping the rain comes and they now have water to survive until the wedding, when they will go to town. “The winter sky is hazed …

…will. I refuse to cry out, and Dadi in his fury is like Tipu, bloodlust in his eyes. He can beat me to death if he likes. The pain grows worse as the blows strike already-bruised flesh. But I take Sharma’s advice. I recall the beautiful things in my world and, like a bride admiring her dowry, I take them out, one by one, then fold them away again, deep into my heart.” (Staples, 240)