Nectar In A Sieve Relationships

In life, the relationships a person creates are important. Life can be difficult at times, but family and friends can help someone get through it. In the novel, Nectar in a Sieve, Kamala Markandaya tells the story of Rukmani, also referred as Ruku, and Nathan ; 20th century, destitute Indian farmers.Although their marriage was arranged with the help of Old Granny, they loved each other. Soon, Nathan and Ruku have a baby girl named Irawaddy, also known as Ira. Waiting seven years of not having children, Ruku seeks the help of a white doctor named Kenny. With the help of fertility treatment, Nathan and Rukmani have five sons. There were fluctuations in the weather; the fields were either flooded or sere. The harvest failed
Old Granny was one of Rukmani's oldest friends, “Old Granny's death bore especially hard on me: for apart from the fact that we had been friends sincerely.” (92) Old Granny helped Ruku many times: her marriage, Irawaddy’s marriage without Old Granny Rukumani would not have been offered these opportunities.Kenny helped Rukmani's family many times, “My husband and children will be happy to see you. We shall be glad to welcome you into our house.” (82) Kenny helps Rukmani's mother, doles out food when they were hungry, and help give her sons work. The relationship between Kenny and Rukmani allows Kenny to come in and help. Puli, before he was adopted, helped Ruku and Nathan with their greatest challenge -- the city, “Lead on my young friend-follow closely or you will get lost he grumbled.”(115). Puli helped Nathan and Ruku survive when they were in the city because of the air-tight relationship they have. With the love Rukmani's friends had for her, she was able to get out of hard times, and get farther in life. In conclusion, one of the lessons that Markandaya teaches throughout the book is the importance of the relationships. Relationships are essential to getting further in life. Markandaya illustrates the importance of relationships through Nathan and Ruku, Ruku and her children, and Ruku and Puli. These relationships show the many aspects