"Parvati, it isn't supposed to be like this. It's wrong, all of it. And I can't- we can't...do this anymore. Do you understand?"

I No /I . The bathroom walls gleamed dully. The light of one bare bulb that swung in some invisible breeze seemed to reflect Parvati's feelings. It swung back and forth despairingly.

I I don't understand. /I A faint trickle of water dripped from pipes of the sink that had never worked. They spattered on the tile floor resignedly. Assorted staff members had attempted to fix this drip with no avail.

I I love you. /I The faded gray-blue stalls, paint chipped and cracked, were covered in graffiti. Emblazoned with names and years and hearts and love it seems destined nothing anymore.

"I understand, Padma."