chapter XVI

Ma has bought a new harmonium for herself. Originally an English invention, the harmonium is like a small organ powered by air pumped through a bellows, not unlike an accordion, except stationary. In order to break it in, Shilpi exercises it by pushing air through its bellows while haphazardly pressing her hand on different parts of the keyboard. She does this every evening and the cacophonous drone becomes background music to our honeymoon.

Although I am having a grand time, no one else seems happy that Shilpi is here. Everyone complains about her strong body odor. Even Renu and Sefali, our cooks, don’t appreciate her coming to help in the kitchen.

Protima, our cleaning maid [pictured above], always complains about Shilpi’s long hairs which seem to be everywhere. Despite the hard work Protima performs for us, she normally wears an enthusiastic smile on her pleasant face but since Shilpi has arrived, her mood seems to have been put off permanently.

Protima is the most loyal and trustworthy servant we have ever had work for us and, admittedly, I enjoy gossiping with her more than I probably should. With the natural intuition God bestows upon all members of the fairer sex, she knows that I greatly enjoy her company and that I am very fond of her, even if she is "just a maid."

Since Shilpi has come, I have largely ignored our faithful servant. My heart belongs to Shilpi now and there is no room for anyone else.

More importantly, Baba keeps his distance from her and rarely even acknowledges her presence. Ma seems less impressed with her now and often berates her for every little infraction of her house rules. I repeatedly stand up for my new bride and hate to see her upset when she’s being chastised.

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chapter XVII