One evening, the house was filled with the sound of the shehnai. Budhiram's son, Sukhram was getting engaged.
Women were singing in the house. Guests were relaxing and eating to their hearts content.

Roopa was busy supervising the preparation of food for the guests. Big kadais were placed on open-air fireplaces. Puris, kachoris and spices was in the air.

Kaki was sitting in her dark room. The aroma of food made her uneasy. She was wondering whether she would get her share of the puris. It was so late. No one had brought her any food. It seemed to her that every one had eaten and there was nothing left for her. She wanted to cry; but fearing that this would be inauspicious she controlled herself.

The fragrance of ghee and spices made her mouth water. If only she could take one puri in her hands to feel it! Kaki made up her mind to go and watch the puris being fried.
Crouching on her hands and feet, Kaki slowly crossed the threshold and crept close to the kadai and sat down


to be continued............