Chapter 1, Guluband Summary

This first chapter introduces the reader to Shabanu, the main character. She is eleven years old. She has a thirteen-year-old sister named Phulan who will be getting married soon. In the opening scene, the two girls carry water from the water basin back to their hut. It is dry and water is scarce. Their Mama sits in the courtyard by their hut sewing Phulan's wedding clothes. An extended family including an aunt and her two sons and a grandfather all live together.

Mama talks with Auntie about Phulan's wedding. Auntie expresses her worries about Mama having only girls. She wonders who will take care of Mama and Dadi, Shabanu's father, when they are old. Shabanu tells Auntie that Mama and Dadi are happy, and Mama says she and Phulan are better than seven sons. Dadi arrives home, and Phulan lights his...