Ten years later, in the prime of her youth, Banita was the wan,
ostracised mistress of an unemployed man, unable to socially consummate her marriage with a wedding feast because all that she earned was Rs 260 a month as a casual worker INDIA TODAY, December 31, 1995.
When Banita looked at the older woman, she could not help but remember with
bitterness that dark day in July 1985 when Phanas- despairing of an extra mouth to feed in poverty- stricken Kalahandi- had sold her to the half- blind, penurious Bidyadhar for Rs 40, just enough for her to buy 3 kg of rice and a sari.