Chapter 4 Summary

Nazneen's baby boy, Mohammed Raqib, is a month old. Chanu calls him "Ruku." Nazneen is mesmerized by her creation and amazed that Chanu had anything to do with it. Chanu annoys her with the way he talks constantly about the baby. For him, Raqib has become, "a set of questions, an array of possibilities, and a spark for debate" (pg. 55). Chanu examines the baby's progress, and plans for his future. Nazneen observes that Chanu sees himself in his child, "this time with chances seized, not missed" (pg. 55).

It is four months later and the baby is now five months old. Nazneen tells Chanu that she does not want to be disturbed if Mrs. Islam comes over while she is taking a nap. Chanu responds by telling her how much he approves of Mrs. Islam and how much he disapproves of Razia. He says...