Simi’s Reviews > Arranged Marriage > Status Update
Simi
is on page 16 of 307
That he continues to be abusive and she continues to return is expected. That the grandpa gave the girl a ring was also expected. I'm glad the girl started standing up to the father, but with the ring disappearing, it feels like her hope is also snuffed. I hate the abrupt, unclear endings of short stories!
— Jan 15, 2026 08:53PM
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Simi’s Previous Updates
Simi
is on page 19 of 307
Immediately thought of Priyam when she describes the sari and of Mom's pink sari from her marriage.
— Jan 15, 2026 09:54PM
Simi
is on page 12 of 307
God I hate when they put the burden of emotional maturity on a child, especially a girl child. This is such a persistent trope in writing (especially for this book being from 1995) but also so reflective, again, of human nature and societal expectations.
— Jan 15, 2026 08:48PM
Simi
is on page 12 of 307
I hate the stupidity of "I couldn't help myself. I reached out to my abuser when we got away clean because of what people were saying/I didn't like being alone." God I hope I'm never in such a situation and don't respond like that. Why is this such a prevalent response in women the world over!?
— Jan 15, 2026 08:46PM
Simi
is on page 11 of 307
Oh Mama, don't fall for that lie! Men like him never change. Sigh
— Jan 15, 2026 08:43PM
Simi
is on page 8 of 307
Again a not so subtle analogy between the bars returning to poisoned trees instead moving to a safe place and the like upcoming return to the father.
— Jan 15, 2026 08:40PM
Simi
is on page 4 of 307
I'm grandpa-Uncle we already have such a strong juxtaposition to the loud, abusive father. Not leaving much room for nuance in a short story I guess.
— Jan 15, 2026 08:38PM
Simi
is on page 4 of 307
It already feels like they won't actually get to Grandpa's house. I hope I'm wrong.
— Jan 15, 2026 08:32PM
Simi
is on page 3 of 307
This is already reminding me a bit of A Guardian & A Thief with the Calcutta setting & the abused Mom & the child's POV.
— Jan 15, 2026 08:31PM
