Chapter 18 Summary

Gustad is happy to get off the train. It is invigoratingly cold in Delhi in December. Gustad takes a rickshaw to the nondescript grey prison, and enters the reception area, feeling nauseated. He asks for Mr. S. Kashyap, as instructed. The thickset, smiling official tells him that Bilimoria has been moved to the hospital section, suffering jungle sickness, and leads Gustad there. Kashyap's cleated heels bring back memories of the loss of the bookstore. Another official leads Gustad upstairs, explaining that Jimmy Bilimoria is sometimes delirious and is allowed only 30-minute visits. Since Gustad has come all the way from Bombay, however, he may stay until his return train leaves at 3 PM.

Bilimoria's room has an armed guard. The room is stifling. Bilimoria is asleep, breathing with difficulty. The sight makes Gustad want to weep. His friend is a shadow of the powerfully...