Sold (Uncle Husband - Ten Thousand Rupees)

I can't believe that they are going to take Lakshmi across the border! If she has to pretend that the man is her husband, it has to be illegal. Why would they need her to cross the border? Surely there is plenty to do in the country. I think that Lakshmi is very confused, and cautious of her Uncle Husband. She has seen him slap before, and she knows that he can be easily irritated. At the same time, he promises to protect her. Lakshmi really doesn't have anyone to trust at this point. She has no constants in her life. In fact, she does not even know anyone's name at this point. Lakshmi grew up in ignorance of the world, innocent of its crime. I think that this makes her to trusting of other people. She probably shouldn't trust her 'Uncle Husband', but she doesn't see any other options. Really, Lakshmi is in a terrible position. After she crosses the border and gets sweets, she wants to send them back to Ama. I think it is so sweet of her, but I don't think she realizes how far away from home she truly is. She is totally disconnected from Ama, at least for now. Uncle Husband is proving to be rather trustworthy. He has fed Lakshmi and given her treats. He hasn't really been impatient with her at all. I do not think she is leary of him at all. However, he does not trust her. Whenever it is time for a bathroom break, he warns her not to try to run. Lakshmi is confused by this, she hasn't even thought about escaping. She is very strong. Although she hasn't had to do anything yet, most girls would want to go back to their families. Lakshmi is thinking only of doing what is necessary to help, and at this point would not dare to escape. When she sees the girl with the shaven head, I think she believes that that girl is a disgrace. I don't think she realizes that that girl really needed to escape because of what she was going through. I felt so bad for that young girl. To have a shaven head in that society is basically to condemn your life until it grows back...that is, if it is allowed to grow back. It would be hard to live this way. I wonder what she was going through to make her want to escape so badly...

I cannot believe that Lakshmi was taken to Happiness House. That is so sad. She was sold for 10,000 rupees. Although that is a lot of rupees, there is no price in the world to put on someone's freedom, especially considering what she is going to have to do. I feel so bad for Lakshmi. She is ignorant to what is in store for her. She still believes that she is going to be a maid! The monsoon is going to turn monstrous very quickly...