Summary

In Chapter 2 on the day after the wedding, Mrs. Mehta goes to town, and Koly steps into Hari’s room. They talk briefly, and Hari says he isn’t going to recover. Koly doesn’t believe him at first. She asks Chandra who says Hari is telling the truth. Koly asks why Mr. and Mrs. Mehta allowed the marriage if Hari’s future is so dim. Chandra says her parents want to take Hari to the holy city of Varanasi in the hope that Hari will be cured. Chandra says Koly’s dowry will pay for the trip.

The Mehtas are preparing to begin the trip right away. Hari announces that he won’t go without Koly. When his mother objects, he becomes furious and throws something of a temper tantrum which causes him to begin coughing uncontrollably. He says Koly’s dowry is...