| 1. | Where does this story take place? What do you know about India? Describe Jeeta and her family. Why is it so important for Jeeta and her sisters to marry well? |
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| 2. | Why are Jeetas parents having trouble finding a husband for her oldest sister, Nimita? Why does she think they will have a touch time finding one for her, as well? |
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| 3. | Describe Girish Mehta. Why do you think he decided to marry Nimita, despite her handicap? |
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| 4. | Describe Nimitas wedding. How is it different from an American wedding? How is it the same? |
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| 5. | According to the story, what are some of the things that a traditional Indian girl is supposed to know before she gets married? |
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| 6. | What was the good advice that Jeetas Pappa gave her when she was little? Why do you think it stuck with her for so long? |
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| 7. | Why didnt Jeeta and her sisters get to go to the movie they had planned to see together? What do you think about Girishjis actions? How did Pappa explain those actions to Jeeta? |
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| 8. | How did Jeeta and her family celebrate her birthday? How do you celebrate your birthday? How are they different? How are they the same? |
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| 9. | Describe Sarina, the new girl in Jeetas class. How did Jeeta and Sarina become friends? |
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| 10. | Why is Jeeta so surprised when she meets Sarinas mother? Why do you think it is so important for an Indian girl to have fair skin, according to the story? |
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| 11. | Why did the visit to Sarinas home make Jeeta start thinking differently about the world and what she wanted her place in it to be? Why did she start studying harder in school? |
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| 12. | Why do you think Mummy likes Sarina, but not Jeetas other friends? Why does Sarina have more freedom than Jeeta? |
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| 13. | Describe Sarinas birthday party. Who did Jeeta meet there? What does Jeeta learn about Neel? |
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| 14. | Why didnt Mohini want to marry Sunand? Why do you think she married Anoop so quickly? |
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| 15. | Why do you think Mohini left her favorite books with Jeeta, instead of taking them with her to America? If you moved to a foreign country and could only take a few things with you, what would they be? |
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| 16. | Why do you think Sarina is so willing to help Neel and Jeeta spend time together? Does Neel like Jeeta, or do you think he just sees her has a friend? How do you know? |
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| 17. | Why was Jeeta surprised when Sarina told her she wouldnt mind an arranged marriage? How would you feel if your parents picked out your boyfriend/fiancé/husband? |
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| 18. | Why did Mohini send her letter to Sarinas home and not directly to Jeeta? What did it say? What did Jeeta do to get her sister out of such a bad situation? |
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| 19. | How did Jeeta do on her exams? What did her good scores mean for her future? Why doesnt Mummy want her to study law? Where did Jeeta choose to study, and why? |
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| 20. | How did Mummy find out about Jeeta and Neels date at the movies? Why was she so angry? Why do you think Jeeta was able to talk to her father about Neel more easily than to her mother? |
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