Summary

The sixth chapter is titled “Fennel.” Tilo worries about Ahuja's wife because the woman had a bruised face the last time she visited the store. Tilo thinks about the First Mother's rules – hand out the spices but do not become invested in any one person over others and never anguish over what happens after the person leaves. She is also supposed to “Open yourself to the sight … and it will show you what you need to know” (101). Tilo is using the sight to look for Ahuja's wife. The First Mother warned that becoming too close could result in destruction for the mistress and the person. Ahuja's wife arrives at the store one day. Tilo touches her, which is also forbidden, and feels the woman's terror. Though she knows she should not, Tilo takes the woman to her kitchen for tea with ginger for courage...