Summary

In “Saleema,” Saleema’s ancestors are described as a tribe of bandits who, decades before she was born, overran a small village. Saleema’s father became a heroin addict, and her mother became a prostitute. A young Saleema married a man who, eventually, became an amphetamine addict. Saleema then became a servant in the home of K.K. Harouni. She became a maid to his daughter, Begum Kamila.

Saleema has a short-lived affair with Harouni’s chef Hassan. When that ends, she considers which other men in the household she could become involved with – that is, which man could be counted upon to protect her. A chance encounter brings her into contact with Rafik, Harouni’s married manservant. Saleema looks for ways to be with him and, at the same time, to leave him alone with his thoughts of her. She has more opportunities...