Shanta: In the hearts of lazy daisies and stem stitches
1976 and earlier
Just before Padma’s trunk call came, she was immersed in her fourth rereading of Pride and Prejudice. When Naraina and the boys come home in the evening, I’ll read out Mr Collins’ proposal to Lizzie, she had thought. Laughing, she had looked up from the book and murmured to herself, ‘Oh, how happy I am!’
She should not have said it out aloud. Happiness was a treasure to be hidden in the deepest recess of your heart. It was not to be shared with others. It was not to be shared even with yourself.
She was happy because finally Naraina had stayed with Padma and Mallika after so many years, because finally her sister and husband were reconciled. She was happy because the operation had been successful, because
