10

Koly is taken by Mrs. Devi in an automobile for the first time, experiencing air conditioning
and a sense of privilege. Mrs. Devi shares a story about her father, who became wealthy
after a challenging upbringing. They visit a shop where Mrs. Devi introduces Koly's
embroidery skills to Mr. Das, who agrees to employ her.

Koly excels at her embroidery work, creating unique designs inspired by her own
experiences. She remembers Raji, a boy she met by the river, and eagerly waits for him, but
he doesn't return. Koly befriends the women in the workshop and impresses Mr. Das with
her original designs.

One day, Mala, a fellow worker, invites Koly to her place, where artists and musicians gather.
Koly hesitates but eventually goes. At the gathering, she meets an artist named Kajal, who
offers to paint her. Kajal tries to persuade Koly to come to his room, but she refuses. He
gives her a lassi laced with bhang, causing her to feel ill.

Binu, a sitar player, rescues Koly and takes her to meet Tanu. Koly is grateful and reflects on
her recklessness. She returns to Maa Kamala's house, and Tanu helps her explain her
illness as a result of eating monkey nuts.

Despite the incident, Koly resumes her work at the workshop. Mala warns her not to reveal
their secret, threatening to expose Koly's visit to Mala's place. Koly is conflicted but
continues her embroidery.

In a surprising turn of events, Raji returns after a short absence.

11

In this passage, Koly reunites with Raji after he returns from a trip. He explains that he
needs to return to his village soon to plant lentils in time for the upcoming rains. Raji
expresses his desire for Koly to come back to his village with him and be his wife. Koly is
taken aback but also touched by his proposal.

They find a quiet spot by the river, where they talk about their possible future together. Raji
shares his plans for improving his house and making the land more fertile. He expresses his
desire for a meaningful marriage, where they can communicate and understand each other.

Koly is torn between her feelings for Raji and her life in the city, including her work at Mr.
Das's workshop and her friends. She asks for a little time to consider the proposal, which
disappoints Raji, but he agrees.

They continue to correspond through letters, where Raji updates Koly on life in his village.
Koly reflects on her changing circumstances, from living in the widows' house to having her
own room with Tanu. However, she starts to feel confined in the city, longing for the open
spaces and nature near the river.

Koly also shares her plans to marry Raji with Mr. Das, who supports her decision but
emphasizes the importance of continuing her embroidery work. He encourages her to visit
the workshop to collect work and promises to give her a length of special fabric for her first
embroidered sari in her new home.

The passage ends with Koly working on a quilt for her dowry, which reflects her journey and
the people who have been significant in her life. She includes Raji, Mr. Das, Mrs. Devi, Maa
Kamala, Tanu, and even Mala, whom she pities for her downfall. Koly anticipates her
upcoming marriage with hope and gratitude.