Summary

The shop in The Chase is dirty and rundown, and Mr. Biswas is distressed to see his savings dissolving as they buy necessary household items and stock for the small food shop. Mr. Biswas tries to be optimistic, saying that the place could be built up. Shama is unhappy and shows some hostility toward Mr. Biswas during the move, but determines to make the best of things.

Away from the Tulsis, Shama’s attitude improves and they start getting along better. Both feel the situation is temporary, and Mr. Biswas does pretty well as a shopkeeper. When Shama wants to have the house blessed by her brother-in-law, the pundit Hari, Mr. Biswas resists at first, but eventually gives in to Shama’s sighing, gloomy silences, and nagging.

The ceremony is conducted in a tent in the yard, and the Tulsis leave Hanuman House to attend the...