Samana’s father gave his agreement, at long last. Out of frustration, out of necessity. His son-in-law was not ideal, but at least his daughter would leave the house for good. He gave her his conditions. She would have to pay for the ceremony herself. She would have to take on a loan. He could not afford it himself. But he would gift her the gold adornment she would wear on her wedding day. Samana was heartbroken. She had known for a long time her father would never love her, nor wish her well. But for him to let her carry the financial weight of her marriage was an absolute let-down. She was condemned to a “small marriage”. A modest celebration friends and family would bad-mouth profusely, eyes rolling, sighing heavily.
They got married in August, the absolute worst time of year, with te
