Summary

Beginning again in the cafe, the two men continue their conversation, without the American revealing the purpose of his trip to Lahore. However, he detects a strong fragrance in the air and Changez confirms that it comes from some jasmine flowers, worn by a woman at an adjoining table. Changez talks about buying jasmine flowers to put on his grandmother's grave. The reference to death and mourning moves him to continue his story of New York life in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks.

He speaks of the signs of mourning evident in the flowers and photos set up on street corners near the scene of devastation. American flags hung everywhere. Changez met Erica for drinks one night and she appeared older to him, yet he described her as regal as ever, an empress-in-waiting. She told him that her mother suggested that they...