(Mama does with the orange for papa)
Who peels it in strips, the divides it into separate segments. Each segment is then peeled and freed of pips and threads till only the perfect globules of juice are left
(Uma) has been…
Serving them for some twenty years
(Papa with the orange) repeats…
The gesture, over and over
Mama’s lips are pursed (because of her actions) and…
Their importance
Her dark eyes…
Flash with the brightness of her achievement and pride.
(The napkin and finger bowl) are…
Emblems of his status
The ceremony…
Is over. She has performed it. Everyone is satisfied
(The voice of summer, noticeable when it first arrived) and then just a part of the background…
A thread in its worn, faded fabric.
(Uma about sports) she was…
Inept at all of them
Uma hurled…
Herself at Mother Agnes
(Uma) was a…
Messy weeper
Uma’s reaction to mother Agnes’ reaction
Uma was thunderstruck
Uma stared at mother Agnes…
In dismay
Uma’s fit
She was writhing… Banging
She was writhing, frothing a little at the mouth and moaning, banging her head to one side, then the other. …she began to roll so violently
Mama scolding…
Like a madwoman
The orders began…
To come thick and fast
‘(Arun) needs…
Proper attention’
As for his meals, she…
Watched over his like a dragon
Whether he (Arun)… (Food)
Wanted it or not
Arun appeared to be the…
Glue that held them together even more inextricably.
All (mama’s) duties…
And responsibilities neatly accounted for
He had made he the mother of his son. What
Honour, what status.
(Mama) might have been
Wearing a medal
No, their social life…
Did not miss a beat
Mama sailed out with an
Added air of achievement
(Mamapapa) were now more…
Equal than ever
Was this love?…
Uma wondered disgustedly, was this romance?
Mama and papa looked on Arun with…
A kind of nervous, questioning, doubtful but determined pride
He was their son, surely
An object of pride. Surely?
(Mama) still had to face
Papa’s interrogation
The tension…
Surrounding the whole occasion
Mama was often … By the end of it, and Uma…
In tears
In a raging temper
Arun was a..
Vegetarian. Papa was confounded.
Papa was deeply… Uma was to…
Vexed. Force it (cod liver oil) between his teeth
Guava. A… She was…
Strongly forbidden treat. Wickedly irresponsible
Arun screamed…
With laughter