Chapter 16 Summary

Ghulam appears at the Nobles' door while Gustad is, supposedly, at the hospital. Dilnavaz barely conceals her hostility, but allows Ghulam to sit on the sofa and wait. Tehmul announces that there is an urgent phone call for Gustad, but Dilnavaz cannot leave the visitor alone. Gustad arrives, confers with Dilnavaz, and approaches Ghulam, while Dilnavaz goes to Miss Kutpitia's. Ghulam apologizes and promises this is the last time. Ghulam produces a newspaper article, which reports Bilimoria's request for retrial has been denied. The official charged with reviewing the evidence has been killed in a car accident, and his replacement concluded the matter rapidly. Sentencing is to follow shortly. It had been Bilimoria's last chance, says Ghulam. They will finish him off. Gustad tries to sound hard, but Ghulam presses gently on, stressing their old brotherly love. Gustad accepts a train ticket.

Dilnavaz...