Summary

Chapter 9 signals the end of Ila Das and Nanda Kaul’s tea date. Ram Lal lit the hamam for Raka’s bath and cleared the table while Ila Das and Nanda Kaul walked out to the veranda. Raka stole Ram Lal’s box of matches and then jumped back over the fence and climbed down into the ravine. In Chapter 10, Nanda Kaul and Ila Das part ways. Ila Das mentioned briefly how strange and wild Raka was, and then tottered down the road while Nanda Kaul watched. Nanda Kaul thought about how fragile Ila Das’s existence was, and decided that if anyone messed with her she would defend her. Nanda Kaul began to relax on the veranda, feeling relieved that she made it through the psychological dangers of her afternoon with Ila Das as she gently moved a praying mantis out...