Summary

In Chapter 5, an astrologer sets January second as the “most auspicious day” for Chandra’s wedding. She says her future husband is nineteen, has been to mission school, and has been promised a job working with computers. Mrs. Mehta insists that Koly give Chandra her silver earrings but Koly continues to say that she has lost them and refuses to give them up. While she doesn’t voice her thought to her mother-in-law, Koly knows those earrings may be the only hope she has of being able to escape the Mehta house to live on her own. Koly overhears Mrs. Mehta telling her husband that Koly is selfish and evil. Mr. Mehta responds that Koly’s widow’s pension check has added greatly to Chandra’s dowry. Koly asks Chandra if it’s true. Chandra admits that it is and seems surprised that...