Abstract
Ramya, an immigrant from India, is nearing her 50th birthday. But there's no cause to cheer. Recently separated, and laid off from work as well, she feels lonely, alienated, and despondent. Then one day she chances upon a sandalwood box containing her cherished childhood treasures, and this triggers the need to review her present circumstances. In a bid to bring herself out of the quagmire of depression, she examines the relationships she has had--filial, marital, quasi-maternal, societal, professional, et al.