The Bandit Queens

by Parini Shroff

“Like sisters,” Geeta said. “That’s why I call her ben.” Saloni’s brow folded like an accordion. “You call every woman ben.” “Not every woman, Saloni.”

“Tell me she’s not a nosy bitch.” When Farah opened her mouth, Geeta added, “And remember lying is a worse sin than cursing.” Farah’s jaw clicked shut.

Men like him would always look at her and see the things they were glad they weren’t: weak, small, timid, powerless. Let them. She’d expended so much energy vying for a broken seat at an uneven table. Fuck it, she’d make her own damn table.