Final answer:
In 'Nectar in a Sieve,' Nathan is unhappy about Ira's return due to the financial burden, while Rukmani is happy as it protects her daughter's honor.
correct answer option (b) Nathan is unhappy
Step-by-step explanation:
The question you're asking relates to the characters Nathan and Rukmani from the novel 'Nectar in a Sieve' by Kamala Markandaya, and how they feel about their daughter Ira's husband returning her.
In the novel, Nathan is unhappy and Rukmani is relieved about Ira's return, making the correct answer option (b) Nathan is unhappy, and Rukmani is happy. Nathan's unhappiness stems from his concern about feeding another mouth in their already impoverished family, while Rukmani is happy because she feels that it's a disgrace for a woman to be returned by her husband and she wants to protect her daughter's honor.