Rama's Labyrinth: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)

Rama adjusted the scarf to reveal the edges of her hair and tossed her head to see the effect. For the first time, Rama wished she had bangles. If only Mama kept one or two behind. What was she thinking? Rama chastised herself. Mama sold her jewelry so we could eat. Still, it would have been nice to have them.

Carefully Rama dipped her index fingertip into vermillion powder and applied a round bindi between her two eyebrows. She didn’t usually wear one, and Srinivas was sure to comment. As a final touch, Rama placed the gold and pearl ring onto her center finger. She held her hand up to admire it.