Summary

Pages 1-6 – Raami began her morning in her parents’ house, where she was awoken by their cook Om Bao and her nanny Milk Mother telling her to get ready for the New Year celebrations. Raami reluctantly put on the brace and shoes she needed to get around on her polio-weakened leg. Milk Mother continued to annoy Raami as she searched for her mother, Aana, walking by her father, Ayuravann, who was engrossed in writing his poetry. Running through the house on a raised platform, Raami saw their elderly gardener Old Boy give Om Bao a flower. Old Boy grinned at Raami when he noticed she saw their intimacy. Mama entered and told Old Boy that she would like to have flowers for the celebration. Soon after, Raami told her mother that she wanted to walk like Aana. Aana assured her daughter that she...