Summary

It is the present day, and Rahel is in the abandoned garden. She is thinking about her former life in America. For the first time since she’s arrived in Ayemenem it isn’t raining. Rahel has some money, but Baby Kochamma is already asking about how long she’s staying and what she’s going to do about Estha. She has no plans. She notices Baby Kochamma’s giant satellite dish for TV.

There is a flashback to one week after Sophie Mol’s arrival. Sophie Mol has surprised the twins with several things. First, she prefers the dead Joe over Chacko. Next, she hasn’t agreed to take Mammachi’s favored place as hair braider each night. Finally, the most important surprise is that she’s rejected Baby Kochamma’s overtures of affection. She also has proved to be sensitive to...