Bholi

Bholi's father was worried because Bholi had neither good looks nor intelligence. He feared that, because of her pock-marks, stammering, and dullness, it would be difficult to find a suitable bridegroom for her.

Bholi is sent to school for an unusual reason: her mother thinks that since she is ugly and has little chance of getting married, the teachers should worry about her instead. So, unlike the other girls, she is sent not out of interest in education but because her parents feel she is a burden and marriage prospects are poor.

No, Bholi does not enjoy her first day at school. She is frightened when her father takes her there, cries when she cannot speak properly, and feels ashamed when the other girls laugh at her. However, the teacher's kind behaviour gives her hope.

Yes, Bholi finds her teacher very different from the people at home. At home, people neglect her, call her names, and laugh at her. Her teacher, on the other hand, speaks softly, kindly, and encouragingly, treats her with affection, and gives her confidence.

Bholi's parents accept Bishamber's marriage proposal because he is a well-to-do bridegroom: he has a big shop, his own house, and money in the bank, and he does not ask for dowry. They think Bholi will be lucky to get such a man, especially since she is not considered attractive.

The marriage does not take place because Bishamber suddenly demands five thousand rupees dowry when he sees Bholi's pock-marked face. Bholi refuses to accept such a greedy and contemptible man as her husband, throws the garland into the fire, and openly rejects the marriage.

Bholi feels she is going to a better place than her home because she is given a clean dress, bathed, and her hair is oiled. When she reaches the school, she sees many girls of her own age, rooms full of books and slates, and a teacher who smiles at her kindly. All this makes the school seem better and safer than her neglected home.