Chapters 42-50 Summary

Amina defends Umm Hanafi's morals, Ahmad curses himself for fathering children, Fahmy pretends to know nothing, and Khadija notes that Yasin fails to join his father for breakfast. Yasin's absence from coffee hour proves that something is going on. After much thought, Ahmad summons Yasin, who has thought through his possible responses. After opening sarcasm, Ahmad announces that Yasin will marry Iffat's daughter and join the household.

Chapter 43 shows Amina, Khadija, and Kamal allowed to visit Aisha, who dresses elegantly to match her new surroundings and, as her mother-in-law reminds her, because she is no longer under Ahmad's strict rules The menfolk have visited her, but she had so longed to see the rest that she entreats her father. Aisha talks about the house and neighborhood peculiarities. She has no chores. Kamal still cannot believe that Aisha will never come home...