Summary

As the girls continue practicing, it becomes clear that Gopi is better ay squash than her sisters. Pa pushes the other two to play better to challenge Gopi, and though they are trying, they cannot rise to Gopi's level. Pa arranges for Gopi to play squash with Ged, he is a strong player and a solid opponent for Gopi. The two play naturally and intensely, and both enjoy it greatly. In the periphery, Pa is spending increasing amounts of time with Ged's mother.

Winter turns to Spring, and Ged and Gopi continue to practice against each other. Pa introduces the two of them to a Pakistani man named Maqsud. Maqsud and Pa met through Western Lane, and though they were initially wary of one-another, they eventually connected. Pa has invited Maqsud to watch Ged and Gopi play. Maqsud is impressed, and tells...