In the rising action of <em>Nectar in a Sieve</em>, we are already familiar with the two main characters that were introduced to us in the exposition: Nathan and Rukmani. The two are married and trying to conceive.
Rukmani falls pregnant, and the baby is a girl. Rukmani is very sad, as they were both hoping for a boy. However, the couple name the baby Irawaddy. Eevn though she is a girl, she is loved by her parents. She is beautiful and energetic. However, after six years, Rukmani appears to be unable to conceive another baby.
She worries about this until she meets a doctor named Kenny, who is a foreigner. He is able to help her with her problems, and soon Rukmani gives birth to a boy. Everyone is overjoyed, especially Nathan and Rukmani's father. She ends up having another four boys in a row.
The village also changes because of the construction of a tannery. This brings new people, and with them, new economic activities. However, it also brings a variety of problems. Rukmani resents this, and dislikes the tannery.
