Summary

In Chapter 17, the Radcliffe Commission is deciding which cities go to Pakistan, and which to India. Lenny becomes “Pakistani. In a snap. Just like that” (150). It is Lenny’s birthday, but no one notices. While Slavesisteris making halva to honor the arrival of a new relative, she wonders if they should also celebrate the fact that, “We’ve all produced a baby… We’ve given birth to a new nation. Pakistan!” (151). At Cousin’s, they decide to have a quick, impromptu birthday party. Jinnah comes on the radio and announces that the inhabitants of the new Pakistan are free to worships whatever, wherever, and however they choose.

In Chapter 18, Mr. and Mrs. Singh visit and lament the fact that their Hindu neighbors have all left. Mr. Singh tells Lenny’s father than the Sikhs have been ordered to leave Lahore, and asks if...