Of White Hairs and Cricket Summary

Every Sunday morning, 14-year-old Kersi Boyce has the task of pulling white hairs from his Daddy's scalp while Daddy scans classified ads. Mamaiji is supposed to be resting her eyes since cataract surgery, but insists on spinning thread. Kersi is fascinated by the dexterous way she winds the thread, most of which is used to weave spare kustis.

Daddy declares this ad promising and insists every white hair be plucked. He and Mamaiji disagree constantly. Mamaiji thinks Kersi is underfed and sneaks him food. Daddy says the ad will end their troubles. Mummy normally tries to sound optimistic, but today she is silent. Finally, Mummy speaks: forget planning and leave things to God.

When they leave, the building is just awakening. Kersi looks the length of the compound and sees Dr. Sidhwa paying a house...