Chapter 22, The Wedding Summary

It is eight days before Phulan's wedding. Relatives are coming from all around, making lean-tos in the area around the houses. Musicians play and people eat. Phulan is afraid something else will go wrong, but Shabanu insists she's already had all the bad luck she will have. Rahim-sahib sends strings of gems for Phulan to wear in her hair. Phulan thinks Shabanu is very lucky, but Shabanu says he is used to buying what he wants. Preparations continue, food is cooked, sweets are made, and clothes are sewn.

It is time for the mahendi women to come paint the hands of feet of Phulan and her family. Sharma dresses Shabanu and applies makeup so she will look as beautiful as Phulan. Murad's mother and other women in the family come to feast and celebrate too. Phulan is painted first...