Chapter 12, Sharma Summary

The women gather around the fire circle to eat and sing. They talk about preparations for Phulan's wedding. Sharma tells a story about a woman who was stoned to death for looking at man other than her husband. Shabanu tells about the Bugti girl who eloped and the probable death awaiting her. Sharma reassures Shabanu that there are good men in the world, and that marriage to one is a blessing, yet Shabanu thinks Sharma's independence and freedom would be wonderful. Sharma sings a song about Channan Pir, the Muslim saint whose shrine they are visiting. The song tells how the Hindu raja took the infant son of his Muslim wife and left him to die in the desert, but the animals and god protected the child. He grew into a great man who was loved by both Hindus and Muslims...