Summary

The tax authorities raid Ram’s home, but find nothing. Several weeks later, Mr. Bajwa’s wife calls Ram and tells him that her husband is missing. Ram “immediately assumed Mr. Bajwa was dead” (235). A month later, Mrs. Gupta and Mr. Maurya visit Ram to tell him that Mr. Gupta had been kidnapped and is being held for ransom. That night, Mr. Gupta’s body is found in a ditch. After Mr. Gupta’s death, Ram refuses to collect bribes because he is “afraid” (237). In the elections, the BJP wins Delhi but Congress forms a majority in Parliament.

At home, Ram tells Asha and Anita about his past. Anita appears “unguarded, crumpled” (239). She sends letters to Kusum, but her sister stops replying. Months later, Ram attends a dinner party at Mr. Mishra’s home. He intentionally walks in on Mr. Mishra’s daughter-in-law...