Ammayi replied, ‘The festival is a month away. Do you think your daughter-in-law has started her fasts already?’

Even so, she led them to the raised platform in the front veranda and sat them down there. Kumaresan was sobbing uncontrollably. Saroja was irritated by his tears, more so because she was not sure if it would be appropriate for her to cry along with him. But she understood his predicament. He had only expected that his relatives would scold them a little. Their response had shocked him, that’s why he could not stop crying. She had never seen Kumaresan so upset before. He was always able to handle any situation. Her irritation vanished and she started feeling anxious—she had to rescue them from this situation somehow and leave this place quickly.

His ammayi embraced Kumaresan and said, ‘Please don’t cry, dear.’ Ammayi was so thin that she could easily be snapped in two. Saroja was amazed that she could walk around in that frail body. She had a feeling that ammayi was the only supportive person here, but she would have to wait and see. For all she knew, ammayi was feigning all this apparent concern. Once Kumaresan stopped crying, the older woman rushed into the house and brought out a jug of water. She offered it to Saroja, but then pulled her hand back. She went back inside again and returned with a lead tumbler. Pouring some water into it, she handed the tumbler to Saroja and gave Kumaresan the jug. Hesitantly, Saroja took the tumbler from ammayi and drank the water. It was nowhere near enough to quench her thirst, but she was too afraid to ask for more.

Hearing the commotion, Kumaresan’s other relatives had come running from the houses nearby. Saroja did not know any of them, and her husband was in no state to make the introductions.

One of his aunts exclaimed, ‘Oh! It is our Nōndi! He has come with his new wife to eat a feast here. Hey, you! Go get the batter ready for some snacks.’

Everyone smiled mockingly at them. They scrutinized Saroja—who sat on the veranda with her head bowed—from all angles.

‘Look at her!’ said one of the women. ‘She was not ashamed to elope with a man, but she is feeling shy now!’

Another one said, ‘If the people in Kattuppatti had any regard for their honour, they would have chased this donkey away by now.’

Yet another aunt added, ‘Do you know what a great man your father was? In all these years after his death, has anyone dared to say a bad word about your mother? She has preserved this family’s honour. You were born in the same family. Yet you stand here after having brought such disgrace upon us. Did you think your uncles have no honour and respect to protect? How dare you come here! At least your appucchi stopped with a few beatings. If your uncles were here, they’d have chopped off your legs!’