I, Shabanu am the maddest person when Hamir dies. Everyone is rich and happy, but I wanted to marry Murad, who is marrying Phulan now. She is so lucky. Our life would have been perfect, but Nazir Muhammad ruined it all. The wedding preparations moved ahead. The last thing I wanted to do was to help, but I had to help. Otherwise Dadi would have been mad. He used me to get rich. But that is the role of women in our religion and country. To obey and help the men, or rulers, of our family.
“I’d as soon dump the henna left standing in the ceramic bowls over Phulan as dress her in jewels and silk to marry Murad.”page 218
