Summary

Bhima is about to enter her hut and is stopped by her neighbor Shyam. He asks if she plans to attend a meeting with a municipality official to get more water taps. Bhima says she cannot go because she has to work. Shyam says it is important and perhaps her employer will give her a few hours off. Bhima says that her employer needs her and that the men can take care of politics. As Bhima turns to leave, Shyam says that they have noticed Maya does not leave for college anymore. He says his daughter found Maya vomiting when she went to borrow some sugar. Bhima says that Maya has the flu. Shyam says it seems strange for flu to last so long.

Bhima asks Maya what she did all day. Maya says she did “nothing” (59). Bhima scolds her until Maya...