Part 7, 1 through 22 Summary

Kabir has learned of Lata's whereabouts and sends her a letter which she does not open for fear that her mother will come in any minute. The domestic scene at the Mehra household is somewhat dysfunctional as seen at breakfast before Arun leaves for work. There is tension between Mrs. Mehra and Arun's wife Meenakshi over the gold medal once belonging to Mrs. Merah's late husband. Meenakshi had melted it down to be made into earrings for her. A shopping trip for Meenakshi, Lata, and Mrs. Rupa Mehra further examines the tension between Meenakshi and her mother-in-law. After leaving for her canasta party, Meenakshi returns home to bedlam and, interestingly, it is Mrs. Rupa Mehra who manages to restore harmony to the scene. Lata finally gets enough solitude to read Kabir's letter which reawakens the confusion and distress in her. The...