Summary

In Chapter 9, Koly feels secure for the first time since her arrival. Maa Kamala gives Koly money for lunch, provides breakfast for all the girls, and urges them to be on time for work. They arrive at the flower stall where Tanu works, and she introduces Koly to the owner, Mr. Govind. Koly is much slower than the experienced women at first but soon catches on to the method of stringing the marigolds onto the fibers.

Tanu and Koly share a room at the house and are soon good friends. One day a man at a perfume stall asks if they can string beads. They assure him they can, and he provides the supplies, promising them each a bangle if they complete several for him. They work in the evenings after their job at the flower stand. Koly notes that she loves to embroider...