Part 8 Summary

Maan Kapoor leaves Calcutta with Rasheed for a month long trip out of Brahmpur which will separate him from Saeeda Bai. His assistant, considered fairly competent, will manage his cloth business during Maan's absence. The description of the train ride to Rasheed's family home depicts the crude travel available in the country. As they see part of the Baitar Estate, Maan becomes quite excited about the possibility of seeing his friend Firoz, though Rasheed only gives him an enigmatic smile. Maan's identity as the son of the Minister of Finance comes to light and the whole question of the redistribution of land returns to the novel. The theme of a Hindu visiting in a Muslim district begins with Maan assuring Rasheed that he will behave himself while staying with his family. Maan learns to his surprise that Rasheed is married and has two...