Summary

Section 2 is titled Poornima. Chapter 1 reveals that Poornima’s wedding has been “postponed indefinitely” (75) because Poornima’s father is unable to pay the new dowry and rumors have spread that Poornima helped Savitha run away. Months go by and Poornima’s father makes a compromise with the Namburu family for the marriage. He agrees to give the Kishore a scooter in addition to the monetary request. Poornima spends her time in the weaving hut because it is not appropriate for her to be seen leading up to the wedding.

Chapter 2 opens with relatives arriving for the wedding. Poornima is quiet and submissive during the wedding ceremony. Poornima does not want the marriage, but knows she does not have a choice. When Kishore reaches for her hand during the wedding, Poornima discovers that Kishore’s idiosyncrasy is that he is missing fingers...