Why? Just why? I’m twelve years old, would my parents put me in this situation if they were a twelve-year-old again? They would say they would, but really they would feel the same as me. I am lonely and afraid, and here is the reason why. I grew up wandering the desert, breeding camels and taking care of them. We started to plan for my sister’s wedding, and that was all fun, but things went downhill when my grandfather died in a sandstorm. We traveled to my cousin’s house, for my sister was due to marry there in a few months. Then her future husband got shot, and we decided she was going to marry the man I was supposed to marry. I know in my heart that this is fair, she is the older one. But my part of the bargain now, it horrible, I am due to marry a rich fat guy with three wives, in exchange for my cousin’s land. He has sent me many beautiful gifts, and he was never mean to me, but it is still not fair. So now I am just waiting out the days until she is married to my husband and I am sent off to live with an old man and bring him sons, what fun. So my life may not be the best, though I can’t say it’s not interesting.

“What a trap they’ve laid! Phulan is the eldest so she must marry first. She is ripe for marriage. Dadi knows that, and he wants it done quickly. Murad is ready too. Because I am not of age yet, I am to be sacrificed to keep the Bargain!” Pg.192