Eleven

Abstract

The articles of clothing and cosmetics that Gendethimma had bought with Maranki’s help did please Devirawwa, but they proved problematic at the same time. Rathni of course tied the petticoat at the waist and wore the saree over it. But the bra was a strange item. Rathni didn’t know where the fastenings were and so asked her mother about it. The bra had hooks which had to be fastened at the back. Devirawwa tried several times before succeeding in her efforts. Rathni then wore her blouse over it. It was incredibly uncomfortable. The bra was very tight. So tight in fact that Rathni felt like freeing herself of it and throwing it away. She didn’t however take it off for fear that her mother would scold her. Seating Rathni before her Devirawwa herself combed Rathni’s hair that day after rubbing it with perfumed oil. The castor oil that Rathni’s hair had smelled of so far now vied with the scented oil. The new smell did initially gall Devirawwa, but both mother and daughter consciously tried to get used to it. Her hair done, Rathni washed her face rubbing it with a fragrant soap. She opened the powder-box and the smell that floated out was still better.