CHAPTER 84

Summary

• The chapter begins with Mariamma engrossed in thought and feeling pain as she sees her mother, whom she had believed dead, alive and living with leprosy.
• The character Digby explains that Mariamma's mother did not tell Mariamma about her survival to protect her from the stigma of the disease.
• Mariamma then runs into the outdoors to be alone with her thoughts. She contemplates jumping into a canal, but simply stands on the steps leading into the water.
• Mariamma reflects on how the water connects them all, thinking about her mother, the man who sired her, and her own life.
• Mariamma returns to Digby, contemplating the tragic fate of her mother and Digby's devotion to her despite her illness.
• She learns that Digby is also her biological father, and, in conversation, they both share thoughts about their love for her mother and thoughts about her mother's choices made out of love for her family.
• Mariamma discovers that she has seen her mother before, disguised as a beggar visiting their house. She's shocked by the lengths her mother took to spy on her own daughter.
• Mariamma is left questioning whether to meet her mother or respect her decision to keep her presence a secret.