Lakshmi’s stepfather brings her to the trader, Bajai Sita, explaining that Lakshmi wants to go work in the city. Bajai Sita fetches the city woman from the festival who previously offered to be Lakshmi’s “auntie.” Lakshmi’s stepfather says he wants 1,000 rupees for her, which shocks Lakshmi because she has not yet done any work to have earned such a huge sum of money. The woman says that because Lakshmi’s hips are too narrow and her looks are too plain, she will only give him 500 rupees. They argue until they finally settle on a price of 800 rupees, one half of which is paid now, and the other half of which will be withheld until Lakshmi proves herself. Auntie warns that Lakshmi’s family will not receive the rest of the money if Lakshmi disobeys at all. Immediately, her stepfather starts purchasing unnecessary items from Bajai Sita’s store like cigarettes, candy, wine, and more hats for himself. Lakshmi adds baby clothes, a coat for Ama, and a Coca-Cola.

Lakshmi parts ways with her stepfather, and the city woman, “Auntie,” leads her out of the village on foot toward the city.