Summary

Chapter Two begins with an introduction to the narrator’s home life: he is a member of a joint family, living under the same roof with his parents, wife, uncle, and sister. His uncle Venkatachala (sometimes called Chikkapa) is the owner of a spice firm called Sona Masala (11). Because he is the sole earner, Venkatachala is “regarded above everyone else in the house” (12). His way goes. The women cook and clean for him.

The narrator then mentions a “commotion” that occurred a few weeks ago “when a woman came to the house: Chikkappa was at home, but he didn’t step out” (12). That particular morning, a strange woman appeared at the house. The narrator commentates: “Nothing in her bearing suggested she was a disreputable woman” (13). The narrator’s mother began watching the girl from the window standing outside, before finally the woman approached the...