Chandra and Deena were at the market It was dusty and noisy Sacks full of herbs and spices were laid out on the ground all the colors of the rainbow Chandra closed her eyes and sniffed ginger garlic coriander cardamom curry leaves Her sister bought lentils honey in a little cardboard box and something in a small paper package What’s that Chandra asked It’s an herb called tulsi Deena answered Mother will make it into tea for Akash It will help his cough So will the honey
Can we have a drink Chandra asked I’m really thirsty Deena counted out fifty paisa from her little beaded purse We’ll share a cup of pomegranate juice she said Deena took a sip and then gave the rest to Chandra Chandra let the juice run slowly down her throat wet and cold and sweet Then she noticed a group of people clustered around a man who was holding a strange lamp
