The Henna Artist

From Shimla, Lakshmi receives regular correspondence from Kanta, though her sister never writes directly. Dr. Kumar also writes to say that both pregnancies are progressing normally. He remarks on what an avid reader Radha is and suggests that she should have a private tutor so that she won’t fall behind in her studies. He is curious to know about the herbal remedies that Lakshmi specializes in because his mountain patients are skeptical of modern medicine.

In Jaipur, Lakshmi notices her henna business is dropping off. Regular patrons have disappeared. She learns that someone is spreading rumors that she has been stealing from her customers. Mrs. Sharma, Sheela’s mother, doesn’t believe the rumors but is hesitant to employ Lakshmi, who finds this treatment unfair: “I followed their rules. Swallowed their insults. Ignored their slights. Dodged their husbands’ wandering hands. Haven’t I been punished enough?” (222). Parvati is behind the gossip and only gives Lakshmi 10 rupees for arranging the marriage of Ravi and Sheela. She is taking revenge on the henna artist for her son’s dalliance with Radha.