Summary

In “Subha,” because her name was Subhashini, meaning well-spoken, no one guessed Subha “would be dumb” (68). Although her father Banikantha loved her, her mother saw her “as a stain upon her own body” (69). She was particularly distressed over the slim prospects of finding Subha a husband.

Although Subha could not speak, she communicated with her “large dark eyes” (69). Spoken communication is “a process of translation” (69). Communication with the eyes is more pure and exact.

Subha was particularly close with animals and nature, finding seamless connection and communication with them. She spent her days near the river in her village, Chandipur. Surrounded by “the cry of the birds and the rustle of trees,” she felt at peace (70).

Subha’s only friends were a set of cows, Sarbbashi and Panguli. Subha and the cows could communicate without speech. She found particular comfort in the cows’ company...