Rahima

Rahima is one of the two main characters. Her story takes place in present day, and as her story unfolds, she draws strength from Shekiba's journey, which happened about a century prior. Rahima is one of five sisters, though she does not seem competitive, only jovial, in their presence. Rahima loves to learn and is most upset out of her sisters when her father won't let them go to school. Thus, she is most excited when Khala Shaima convinces Rahima's parents to make her a bacha posh, or a girl dressed as a boy.

As a bacha posh, Rahima feels free, something she never feels as a girl. It is her experience as a bacha posh that encourages her escape from her warlord husband many years later. It is almost as if being a bacha posh has brought out the truth in her character, that of a helper...