Summary

In "Chapter 9: Five," three weeks have passed since the party. Darashikoh is not feeling well. He smokes incessantly and has no money. He has not paid Manucci this month.

Mumtaz arrives at Darashikoh’s residence. She comments on the heat inside, and Darashikoh admits to being broke. At first, Mumtaz thinks Darashikoh is joking. Once realizing his honestly, Mumtaz offers him some money. He refuses, not wanting Aurangzeb’s “corrupt cash” (124). Manucci serves Darashikoh and Mumtaz water. Darashikoh assures Mumtaz that his relationship with Aurangzeb will be fine. She then confesses that she and Aurangzeb have been “having problems,” but does not offer any more information (124). She changes the subject, asking Darashikoh to teach her to box.

They walk to the back of Darashikoh’s house where a boxing-bag hangs from a chain. He asks for Mumtaz’s hand, which he then wraps with...