In chapter 16, Ira uses a metaphor to describe the truth as bitter and difficult to accept. After Rukmani had accidentally attacked Ira causing Ira to break her bangles causing the glass to shatter, which cut Ira and cause her blood to flow all over the floor and her sari, Rukmani had found a rupee while cleaning Ira’s sari. Soon questions began to swivel around her head; How did she have bangles?... How and where did she get the rupee?... What was she doing out so late?...Who had given her the money and why?" (Markandaya 95-97) Rukmani had asked Ira for the truth but Ira only replied with “ The truth is unpalatable” (Markandaya 97). Ira compares the truth of her actions as bitter and difficult for Rukmani to perceive as a part of reality,