sum off.....when you come up with endings like that....maybe it would make more sense to concentrate on arjun's psyche more (specially in a short story) so that the ending would explain itself and convince the reader. Although you do talk about Arjun being reserved, there is nothing which explains his behavior in the end. Or maybe I am wrong, maybe it IS convincing. I dont know. If it is you will help me see it.

In fiction, unlike in life, we always want explanations and justifications.

And one more thing, just kinda noticed so wanted to comment. You talk about 'bites' of bhat and saag and maseura. Wouldn't morsels of bhat and saag and maseura be more appropriate?

I hope you have your facts correct about the whole country-side set-up, the camps and everything. I am unqualified to comment accurately on those. But a chulo seems a bit out of place here....I guess they would be able to afford something else.

''A boy in his late teen, with a face as blank as a diary of a blind man...'

The boy passed her a brass pot with a lady-like curves and a kettle-like spout....'

absolute gems..... those sentences.......pure sumoffisms.

I have said this before and I say it now. You are 100% worthy of being published. And I know you will be published one day.