The year is 1918, and Leela is 11 years old, living in India. She got engaged to Ramanlal when she was 2 years old, and her parents married her when she was 9. She still lives with her mother and father, but the following year, she will have an anu (a special ceremony where she will move into her husband's house). This is common for girls Leela's age to marry young. She is one of the few female students left at her school, as most other girls have already moved in with their husband's families. Leela's parents love her, and want what's best for their daughter. However, Leela is devastated when her husband, Ramanlal, unexpectedly dies in an accident. Due to local customs, Leela is now a widow at 11 years old, and can never remarry. She must shave her head and "keep corner" for one year after his death. This basically means she can't leave her parents' house, the ultimate grounding. Her options are severely restricted, and in her eyes, very unfair. But there is talk of change. A man named Gandhi is calling on the government to change the way it treats its workers, and to give more rights to women. Widows are considered bad luck in this time of India's history. If people believe and follow Gandhi's ideas, Leela may have the opportunity to work and go to school.
