Sheru eyed the sweets and eateries hanging in the shop and quietly started on his way back to convey the message.

Rajjo did not know what to do with her limbs as she waited excitedly by the tea shop. She hugged herself and ordered a cup of sweet tea so she could sit and wait there. Her eyes were fixed on an old black and white clock that ticked away mercilessly.

Rano stood at a safe distance hoping and praying that he would call. However, she was petrified that Rajjo would not go away. She was not going to let her leave! She hated Kashi!

To Rajjo’s delight the phone rang. Rajjo lunged at the receiver and spoke hurriedly into the mouthpiece, half-relieved, half-angry, half-crying and half-laughing.

Rano stood a little away, watching her sister, but could barely make anything of the conversation. Rano tried to console herself that once Rajjo was gone, Karam would at least turn his affection towards her. She would give him a shoulder to cry on. Just then she saw Rajjo’s face turn pale with shock. She inched closer as she heard Rajjo informing Kashi that she was carrying his baby. Rano assumed after hearing that the line had gone dead because Rajjo just held the phone silently, without moving.

Eventually Rajjo let the phone go from her lifeless fingers. And she walked away. Rano walked at a safe distance. She had suspected there was a pregnancy. Her heart bled for Rajjo. They crossed the dirty muddy road, where people rushed with little oil offerings since it was a Saturday.

‘Let’s go and offer a prayer. All will be well, Rajjo!’ Rano placed her hand on her sister’s shoulder. Rajjo stared at the deity for a long time. The oil poured and spilled on the muddy road.

Feeling an intense betrayal, Rajjo spat out. ‘God is hogwash! There is none! I wish I never have to hear that word again in my life…’

Spitting in disgust at the black deity, Rajjo marched towards her house. She knew it was time to face the music, and this time she was ready for it. She had given up God from her life with a vengeance.

5

THEIR father had not returned home for two days since the news of Rajjo’s pregnancy broke. Her mother had wailed and cried and was now running a fever. Reet was brought back home from her in-laws’ house to take care of their mother. Rano felt bad for Rajjo, as Reet gave her incriminating looks.

Sheru was gobbling down food, lying on his cot, wondering what the fuss was all about.

The next day Reet had given a powder to Rajjo that she got from a city doctor, along with some pills. Rajjo took them quietly and sat in the corner, waiting. Rano saw her sitting in the room overlooking the backyard. She stared at the sky and watched the day pass. Rajjo bled a river. Rano was there to nurse her. She was worried that Rajjo would pass out with all the pain, so she stayed awake holding her sister’s hand through the night. Rajjo had not spoken to anyone for two days.