Summary

In Chapter 1, Rakhi wakes from another nightmare. She tries to remember her therapist Dr. Pereira’s “bad-dream exercise” (3). She takes out “the tiny crystal elephant” figurine, clutching it to remind herself she is safe (4). These nightmares “started eleven years ago,” after she and her friend Babloo lit a vendor’s stall on fire (4).

Rakhi tries settling down in her hut in Bombay’s Behrampada slum. She has lived here since her boss Gauri Ma’am rescued her some years prior.

In the morning, Rakhi heads to the Justice For All office, where she works as Ma’am’s assistant. Although the fine is severe, Rakhi rides the first class car to avoid the crowds. When Gauri Ma’am enters the car, she scolds Rakhi for riding without a ticket. She tells Rakhi a new intern from Canada is arriving. Ma’am wants Rakhi...