Summary

Chapter 36 begins with Amal returning to Jawad Sahib’s estate and feeling grateful to have made friends there who welcome her back. On the night of her return, Amal presses and hangs Nasreen Baji’s clothes while Nasreen reclines on her bed. Amal tells Nasreen about Shabnum’s wedding, and Nasreen asks whether her nieces attended. Nasreen explains that she has not seen her nieces in eleven years because Khan Sahib felt it inappropriate for her to mingle with villagers. As they continue talking, Jawad barges into Nasreen’s bedroom and complains about Khan’s incessant phone calls. Nasreen encourages Jawad to focus on filling the adult literacy center in Amal’s village to appease his father. Jawad suggests that Amal attend the literacy center to prevent the teacher from leaving until new students arrive. Nasreen agrees, and Amal feels excited to learn again...