Summary

In pages 1 - 47, first person narrator Antara sometimes takes pleasure in her mother Tara's unhappiness. In the past year, Tara has begun forgetting things. When Antara's husband, Dilip, suggests Tara's "memory may need occasional rehearsal," Antara starts recording memories and hiding them around Tara's apartment (2). Tara's memory used to be sharp. She could cook any recipe by heart.

Antara used to be impressed by her mother, particularly her ability to lie. “It seemed like the one useful trait she had" (4). When they left home for the ashram, and when they returned to her grandparents, Nana and Nani, Tara told stories to hide the truth.

Unsure how to deal with Tara's current condition, Antara considers her mother dead.

One day while at the doctor with Tara, Antara is bothered by the office clock. The doctor tells them the scans show no exact signs of...