Page 64 of The Henna Artist

Kanta said, “Manu and I were there. So was Ravi.”

“But...he told me his parents would never arrange his marriage without his consent!”

“They did ask,” Kanta said, “and he agreed.”

Radha’s eyes filled with tears.

“Bheti, did he actually say he would marry you?” Kanta asked, her voice kind.

My sister had retreated into herself. She looked so lost that I wanted to comfort her, but I knew she wouldn’t let me.

“Ravi isn’t who you think he is.” I said it as gently as I could.

“You’re just saying things to hurt me. You always do. Just like you never wanted me to find you. Never wanted me to live with you.” She turned her red-rimmed eyes toward Kanta. “That’s why I want a family, Auntie! She’s not my family. Not really. Not in the way that counts! You and Uncle are more of a family to me than she is!”

Her words felt like a hammer blow. Kanta looked at me sympathetically.

No one said anything for a while. Finally, Kanta released a long sigh and stood. She went to sit on the arm of Radha’s chair and lifted her chin with two fingers. “Listen to Lakshmi. She is yourjiji. She has done everything she can to make sure you have a good future—the best. You cannot talk to her like that. Not in my house.”

I looked at Kanta with gratitude. She had spoken up for me the way no one ever had. I turned to my sister. “Radha, I arranged this marriage. I did it so—”

“Youdid this to me?”

“I didn’tdoanything to you. I didn’t even know you were—”

Radha blinked. “Wait! Ravi’s marriage is years away! So much can change! And the way your ladies listen to you—perhaps ifyoutalked to Ravi’s mother, Jiji...” She was desperate to change her future, as I’d been at fifteen.

I shook my head. “Parvati had her son’s future mapped out before he cut his first tooth. It was the same with her and Samir and with all generations of Singhs.”

Kanta gasped. “What if—if he doesn’t claim the baby—”

“Radha doesn’t have to have it.”

“No! I will not do anything to harm this baby! You may do that to other women, but you won’t do it to me!”

The shock on Kanta’s face told me another secret was out.

I turned to face her. “Kanta, don’t tell me you haven’t known women who had abortions. Who fell in love and didn’t take heed of the consequences. What about at university? In England?”

Kanta covered her mouth with her hand, staring first at me, then at the floor.

Radha waited, her eyes imploring my friend to side with her. In the silence, the whirring of the ceiling fan grew louder. After a pause, Kanta squeezed my sister’s shoulder gently and nodded. “They went on to marry later, often someone else. And have other children.”

Radha just shook her head. “No!”

“Lakshmi is doing the right thing.”

But that wasn’t what Radha wanted to hear. She squeezed her eyes shut. I could guess what she was thinking:What has Jiji ever done but scold me and keep me from having what I want?

Kanta put a palm on Radha’s wet cheek. “Don’t make that face. You’re far too pretty. Lakshmi told me that she didn’t know you existed until six months ago. She was shocked when you showed up, but it never occurred to her to turn you away.

“Look at me, Radha. Your sister has a very strong sense of responsibility, which I admire. You may be upset with her, but she has taken you under her roof. She has put you in an excellent school. You’ve become so sophisticated it’s easy to forget you’re only thirteen.” Kanta tugged at Radha’s frock. “Lakshmi hasn’t had an easy life.” Kanta glanced in my direction. “I understand why she left her husband. I also want you to know I don’t judge you or your sister for what’s happened. She has tried to teach you how the world works. She’s tough—I’ve seen her with you. But that’s her duty as your older sister. Whereas—” and here, she sighed “—Ihave been a very naughty auntie.”

Radha sat up straighter and balled her fists. “But I’ve loved having you for an auntie! No one could have been better!”

“I’m very fond of you,” she said. “But I’m not a responsiblejiji. I had you read those books to me when you weren’t ready for them.” She grimaced. “I still can’t believe how thoughtless that was. I was bored and I wanted company, and you were splendid company.”

“I love those books!” Radha protested. “Where else would I have had the chance to read them?” She cut her eyes at me. “She never spends time with me. All she does is work!”

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