By Jane Davis
Special to THE DAILY

When does a moral obligation override a possible legal difficulty? Has the American justice system become so satiated with frivolous lawsuits that citizens hesitate to do what is right for fear of being accused of interfering with someone’s lifestyle? That’s the premier question of this lyrical novel about a very special woman whom anyone should be proud to call a friend.

Her name is Tehmina Sethna and she is newly widowed and visiting her only child in Ohio for the first time since the recent death of her husband, Rushdon. Each time before, the two enjoyed staying with Sorab and his American wife, Susan, and especially their son “Cookie.” Now it is all different. Tehmina is torn between her life back in Bombay with the apartment and neighbors she has known for nearly 40 years, and beginning again as a widow in this cold, bleak country, overflowing with material goods, but seemingly lacking in human kindness.

Sorab and Susan live in a modest tract home in the suburbs where Sorab hopes to get a promotion in his advertising firm and Susan longs for a larger home. Tehmina, or Tammy, as many Americans call her, has to make her choice soon, since her visa is about to expire. Should she return to the familiar sights, sounds, foods and smells of India or remain in Ohio, living with her son’s family or in her own apartment — possibly even learning to drive?

She keeps postponing her decision until another choice she makes brings her into the public eye. The next-door neighbors have moved and allowed a relative to live in their old house with her two sons for a while. One day Tehmina hears the mother driving away, leaving her two little boys locked out of the house. Remembering her own experience in India, she invites the boys in to warm up and have a snack. When Susan returns she is furious and anxious that they never interfere with their neighbors. She forbids Tehmina to have any contact with the family.

A few weeks later Tehmina is in the backyard and overhears the mother berating and beating both sons before she drives off again. Despite her 60-plus years and matronly physique, she climbs over the back fence and rescues the children. She has no idea how this humane choice will affect her life and all those she loves.

This is a refreshing story about an Indian woman of the Parsis or Zoroastrian faith. For believers, there is restorative power in fire and light and her actions speak of her fiery zeal to right wrongs and the illumination she provides others simply by her existence. Hers is an ancient culture — one that existed long before the United States and its promises of equality to all individuals. Tehmina doesn’t hesitate to act instead of using words — truly seeing all humans as having the right to live a life free of fear.

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