text: In a novel by this author, two people wish that they had been born on a bus, believing that they would then have gotten free bus fares for life.
full_question: In a novel by this author, two people wish that they had been born on a bus, believing that they would then have gotten free bus fares for life. This author first achieved fame when she accused the director of the film Bandit Queen of glorifying rape. A character created by this writer is ashamed when a group of communists force her to wave a red flag. She wrote a novel in which Sophie drowns when a boat capsizes, leading to the death of the untouchable Velutha and causing haunting memories for the twins Rahul and Estha. For 10 points, name this Indian author of The God of Small Things.
first_sentence: In a novel by this author, two people wish that they had been born on a bus, believing that they would then have gotten free bus fares for life.