Summary

Chapter six opens with the marriage of Ira. Having reached puberty, she is married at age fourteen to a young man from another village. The match, arranged by Old Granny, an elderly woman who is a dear friend of Rukmani’s, was a good match with Ira marrying above the size of her dowry due to her good looks. During the wedding and the feast that follows, it becomes apparent how economical Rukmani has been in putting aside and saving for Ira’s wedding. There is more food than even Rukmani expected, and Nathan is pleased with how well she planned ahead.

One month following the wedding, the monsoon season hits in chapter seven. Having not had time to make preparations with the wedding planning, Rukmani and her family are hit hard. Their roof leaks constantly, and with every day the rice paddy becomes more...