How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
While we were alone for a minute, Maa said, "The boy is much younger than they told us, and he is sickly." (1.73)
The Mehtas straight up lie to Koly's family about Hari when arranging the marriage. He's not as old as they promise, and he's way sicker than they claim. Yep, we'd call tuberculosis more serious than the flu. Right away, we're given a glimpse into the Mehtas' lies and manipulation. But don't worry, there's a lot more where this comes from.
Quote #2
"My parents needed money for the doctor and money to take Hari to Varanasi. They believe the Ganges is his last hope. A dowry was the only way they could get the money." (2.31)
Chandra explains the truth to Koly and it is the first time she realizes just how far the lie goes. Before, she figured Hari was a little young and under the weather, but now she knows the Mehtas purposely deceived her parents to get something out of her—a dowry.
Quote #3
I was not introduced as Hari's wife. I believe they took me for his sister. I wondered if Hari's parents were ashamed to admit before this dignified man that they had married so young and so sick a son to get money. (3.15)
Lies, lies, lies. The Mehtas keep the marriage under wraps when they're visiting the Ganges because they know it looks bad. You know what they say: One lie gives birth to another.