What is The Widow's Pension?

The widow's pension is the money provided to Koly by the government after Hari’s death. The check is kept by Mr. and Mrs. Mehta. Some of that money is used as a dowry for Chandra. The check becomes a symbol of hope for Koly who holds to the idea that she might be able to escape her dreary life with the Mehtas if she has that money for her own use each month.