This story by R. K. Narayan, is based on the Tamil legend of Kannagi, a devoted wife who stands by her husband despite his love affair with a dancer. When he finally repents after squandering their fortune on entertainment and gifts for the other woman, they move to another city. They live happily there until Kannagi’s husband is framed for theft and summarily executed while trying to sell one of her gold anklets. Kannagi’s wrath is so great that she calls on the gods and has the city destroyed. Later, she learns that her fate was the result of karma.
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