The Palace of Illusions

by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Every time I spoke it, it embedded itself deeper into my brother’s flesh, for a story gains power with retelling.

Power of story

wait for a man to avenge your honor, and you’ll wait forever.

Wait for a man

“As for being pawns,” Krishna was saying, “aren’t we all pawns in the hands of Time, the greatest player of them all?”

Krishna says. Pawns

Expectations are like hidden rocks in your path—all they do is trip you up.

Expectations

The sorceress had said, When in great trouble, rest your mind on someone who loves you.

When in great trouble

No one can shame you, he said, if you don’t allow it.

Shame

But the comfort that duty proffers is lukewarm at best.

Duty