Summary

Chapter 5

Pages 59 through 79: Nikki finds a spot on temple property, just out of sight of the gurdwara itself, where she can smoke before her classes without getting caught. When Kulwinder smells cigarette smoke on Nikki, she criticizes her, questioning her ability to command the respect of the students. In class, Nikki is shocked to realize that the story Sheena and her peers have prepared is of an erotic nature. The women accuse Nikki of being just like everyone else, convinced that the widows have no desire to speak of their sexual experiences and that their stories are now irrelevant after the death of their husbands. Kulwinder bursts into the classroom, complaining about the ruckus the women have been making. When Kulwinder challenges Nikki's professionalism once more, Nikki doubles down on teaching the widows writing exercises, but the widows remain restless. Nikki finally...