Nectar in a Sieve: Chapter 28 Summary & Analysis

As Rukmani and Nathan earn more money, they anticipate their return home more and more. Even Puli shares their excitement. One day, Nathan says he will return directly to the temple after work instead of shopping in the market with Rukmani. He’s feeling tired.

Rukmani buys rice cakes from her usual vendor, and purchases extra sweet cakes as a treat for Puli. Emboldened by the extra spending, they stop in front of a man selling small toy carts. Puli is entranced by the beautifully carved toy, and Rukmani can tell he’s longing to own it. She points out sensibly that he has his own money from begging, but can’t resist his childish eyes. She buys him a toy and even purchases a second one to bring Sacrabani when she returns home.

When they reach the temple, Rukmani shows Nathan her purchases, both excited and ashamed to have spent more money than usual. However, Nathan looks ill and soon staggers away to vomit. He says he has felt feverish since the morning, and when Rukmani feels his body, it is burning hot. She tells him to lie down and massages his limbs.

It rains the next day, and Rukmani urges Nathan to stay behind while she goes to the quarry, but he refuses. Because of the rain and mud, the work is especially hard today. Nathan is sick and panting, but he doggedly tells Rukmani he will rest when they reach home. They continue to work in the rain all week, even when the weather is so bad that Puli refuses to come to the quarry.

After waiting in line for payment one evening, Rukmani finds that a small crowd has gathered around Nathan, who has fainted on the side of the road. Two men pick him and carry him to the temple, while the women console her and ask how long her husband has been sick. They say she should ask her sons to take care of him, and Rukmani has to admit that her children are all dispersed and unable to help.