Chapter 16 Summary

Nazneen is in Razia's apartment. Razia furnished it nicely after the death of her husband, but it is now empty because Tariq has sold all the furniture, the television, and the VCR. Shefali is there too, and she gets angry when her mother asks her if she knew her brother was on drugs. Razia tells Nazneen the story that Tariq told her about his using and selling drugs. Nazneen goes with Razia to Dr. Azad's office. On the way, she begins to tell Razia about her affair with Karim, but Razia doesn't want to hear about it. Nazneen is surprised to see Razia bow at Dr. Azad's feet. Dr. Azad tells Razia that Tariq must want to be cured.

Preparations for the festival are underway. Shahana and Bibi are working on a backdrop for the crafts stand. Chanu is on the festival's classical...