Summary

The struggle continues in chapter fifteen as the inevitable death and loss accustomed with hardship strikes Rukmani’s family. It begins with her son Raja, who goes out one day as usual and does not return. Finally, his lifeless body is carried home by two men, who vaguely state that there was a misunderstanding involving money at the tannery, and he was killed by accident. Three days after the funeral, two officials come to the house to ensure Rukmani will not file a complaint with the tannery in hopes of compensation for her son’s death.

In the next chapter, tragedy strikes again. Waiting patiently, but starving to death in the process, the crops are not yet ready for harvest. There is much concern that Kuti, the youngest child, will not last the three weeks left before the harvest is ready. Out of desperation Ira...