In this story by Che Husna Azhari, the men of a Malay village gather in the market square every morning to buy a nasi dish for breakfast. It is not that this nasi is any better than they would get at home, but rather because the vendor is an attractive young widow who mesmerises them with her swinging hips and easy smile. The village Imam is love-struck by the woman, who reminds him of his first, unrequited love, and convinces his devoted wife to let him have another. Themes include religious faith, patriarchy, desire, jealousy, love, polygyny, sacrifice. More…