The reader is taken back to the day that Sophie arrives. Mammachi is waiting to receive them all. Though blind, she still manages to play the violin and does so now. Mammachi has a very soft spot in her heart for her son Chacko, especially as once he stopped Pappachi from beating her. She knows that her son has affairs and relationships with the girls at the factory. She has had a separate entrance to his room made so that he can care for his "Men's Needs."
Kochu Maria, the maid, has baked a cake for Sophie. Kochu raises Sophie's hands to her face and smells them. Both Sophie and Margaret are taken aback by this gesture. It is explained that this is a local habit, like kissing. Margaret.....
