Dinamai, a portly, shabby, unkempt widow of 55 slipped in and out of Navsari homes unannounced and with impunity. No house had a doorbell and the front door was always open, except at night. Neighbors watched each others’ visitors and freely asked inquisitive questions ["Gayee kalé baporé Rusi kai aavélo, Piloo (Why did Rusi come last afternoon, Piloo)?”]; not to be curious was considered impolite. Of course, everyone knew the reason for Dinamai’s intrusions. For she was the most successful kaajwali or matchmaker that Navsari had ever known.
She had started her career as a gaayan, literally a singer, but......