Chapter 8 Summary

The poet completes his book, and Sastri, Sen and Nataraj decide to hold a celebration in honor of this accomplishment. Nataraj neglects his job to prepare for the celebration. One day, K.J., the owner of a fruit juice company, storms into the press and demands to know the status of his fruit juice labels. Nataraj tells K.J. that the labels are not ready because they have been preparing for the poet's celebration, and he asks if the wealthy juice maker is willing to contribute to the cause. K.J. does not know what to say and abruptly exits the press.

An astrologer determines three possible dates for the celebration: one good, one not so good and one half-good. The good day is in five months, and Sastri and Nataraj reject the half-good day. They decide to hold the celebration on the...