The Collectors Summary

Dr. Burjor Mody, his wife, and son Pesi move into C Block in Firozsha Baag. Their neighbors are the Bulsaras, including brooding son Jehangir. Big-boned Pesi becomes leader of the rowdy boys. He invents a new game: stone-the-cats. Felines gather regularly after to eat the garbage thrown by upper-floor residents. In the afternoons, the boys take stones to Pesi's apartment to hurl at the cats. Parents are shocked a veterinarian's son could harm animals. This follows the usual pattern of Pesi causing his parents to despair.

Dr. Mody earns respect by ending the cat stonings. Pesi is named for the hero of the Persian epic, Shah-Nameh, in hopes he will enjoy great cultures and, one day, stamp collecting. Fate intervenes, and Mody surrenders his son to destiny. Seeing his abusive, lewd son brings him to despair. Gradually, Jehangir fills the empty...