Summary

Chapter 21 begins with Amal convening with Nasreen Baji in her bedroom. Nasreen explains that she learned from other servants about Nabila’s plan to frame Amal for ruining her valuable garment. Nasreen thanks Amal for the fresh roses she arranged in her bedroom, and Amal wonders whether Mehnaz is tending to her own flower garden at home. After Nasreen departs, Amal tidies up and leaves Nasreen’s bedroom. As Amal wonders down the hallway, she stumbles across an office filled with books. Amal notices a collection of poetry by Hafiz, which reminds her of the poetry unit she missed at school. Amal decides to borrow the poetry book, assuming no one will notice. She feels happy for the first time since arriving at Jawad’s estate and wishes she could share her discovery with Miss Sadia and Omar.

In Chapter 22, Amal overhears other servants...