How were things different at home after Hari's death?

After Hari's death, her life is a cycle of work and scolding from Mrs. Mehta. Mr. Mehta is kind but ineffectual. He teaches her to read and she greatly enjoys poetry. Koly eventually learns the Mehtas have stolen her monthly widow’s pension check and most of the money has gone to fund the dowry of Hari’s younger sister, Chandra. Koly holds to the hope of running away but then Mr. Mehta dies.