Sold (Three Days and Three Nights - A Pronouncement)

Lakshmi is beaten severely. She has welts everywhere on her body, including her feet. Mumtaz asks if she will be with men now, and she refuses. She has such a strong will. As much as I don't want her to have to go through with this torture, I think that what Mumtaz can do to her may be worse than just accepting her fate. Lakshmi is strong though. Mumtaz says she will make her go hungry until she decides to be with the men. I think this is funny. Mumtaz obviously forgets where Lakshmi is from, because Lakshmi is very accustomed to dealing with hunger. She has gone without food, eaten rice with dirt, etc. She knows the tricks of the trade when it comes to hunger. I think that Lakshmi is almost strengthened by this challenge, because while hunger is terrible, she knows how to deal with it. She has never had to deal with the beatings before. After more than five days without drink or food, Shahannah comes and brings Lakshmi tea. Lakshmi does not want to take it at first, but realizes how hungry she is and decides to drink it. Shahanna is trying to give Lakshmi some hope, telling her that her hair is growing back. Then she tells her that she needs to do what Mumtaz tells her in order to live. I think that Shahanna feels somewhat responsible for Lakshmi because they are from the same area. She is trying to protect her. Lakshmi is still keeping her will and says she will not disgrace herself in this way. I can't imagine being in Lakshmi's position. I don't know that I would be as strong as her. Mumtaz announces that she will let her live. I want to know what this means. Something bad is going to happen. Mumtaz would not just let Lakshmi sit in her room. I only hope that Lakshmi will be alright.