The Palace of Illusions

by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

“Destiny is strong and swift. You can’t trick it so easily. Even if you hadn’t come seeking it today, in time it would have found you. But in your case, your own nature is going to speed its process.”

“Even the wisest don’t know what’s hidden in the depths of their being.

The first will be just before your wedding: at that time, hold back your question. The second will be when your husbands are at the height of their power: at that time, hold back your laughter. The third will be when you’re shamed as you’d

never imagined possible: at that time, hold back your curse. Maybe it will mitigate the catastrophes to come.”