Roopa was almost run off her feet, now in this room, now in that, now near the cooking area, then in the store. She was running in every direction, getting irritated, exasperated, yet attending to everything. It was in this state of mind that she saw Kaki sitting beside the kadai. She was furious and reprimanded the old woman,' Shame on you,' she shouted at Kaki.' Why couldn't you sit in your room? The guests haven't eaten yet, no offering has been made to God, and you couldn't wait! Go back to your room. You will eat when the family eats. You're not a goddess who should be fed before all others.'

Kaki neither spoke nor cried. Quietly she crept back to her room. The feast was ready. Leaf- plates were laid on the floor. The guests began to eat . Kaki sat in her room regretting her hasty behaviour. She was not angry with Roopa. How could family members eat before the guests had eaten? She decided that she wouldn't go until she was called.

The old woman hummed as she waited to be called. She thought of all the food awaiting her and felt that she had been singing for too long. She couldn't hear a sound. Why had no one called her, Kaki wounderd.

She stole into the courtyard. The guests were still seated, licking their fingers and enjoying the meal. They were socked to see the old lady. Budhiram noticed her and became red white embarrassement. He caught hold of Kaki and pulled her back into her gloomy room.


To be continued.........