No sooner had Geeta’s parents sent out the wedding invitations than The Chut & Co. (as Saloni dubbed him and his avaricious family of like-minded bedbugs) surged their dowry demands. The Chut swore his devotion to Geeta, lying about refusing a dowry; the Co. meanwhile gouged her parents for a scooter, gold jewelry, furniture, kitchen appliances, a television and an actual silver platter of cash to be presented by Geeta’s father. Their side was to be served first at every function, with food and drink of better quality than the bride’s side. Prostrated over a barrel of dishonor, Geeta’s parents
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