Summary

In Chapter 17, Anvar goes to visit his parents. Aamir is present and is reciting the Quran aloud to himself. Anvar finds the recitations irritating. Anvar briefly discusses the Quran and Aamir’s engagement party with Bariah and Aamir. Anvar tries to remain civil but he is uncomfortable and irritated. About 30 people arrive for the engagement party. Anvar tries to behave himself during the engagement party, but he is repeatedly distracted by the sight of Zuha, and he repeatedly makes inadvertent, rude remarks to guests. At one point, Anvar speaks to Zuha in private. He alludes to their past relationship; Zuha is shocked and tells him not to mention that at the party. During the exchanging of the engagement rings, there is an awkward moment when Aamir makes a joke that alludes to Anvar’s supposed incompetence, Later, Anvar and Zuha speak in private...