Tamas

A dead horse is found in the aftermath of the grain fire. Then two bodies are discovered. The neighborhoods have suddenly become clearly demarcated between Hindus and Muslims. Most people stay at home with their doors locked. Businesses close.

A man named Shah Nahwaz goes to check on a friend named Raghunath. Raghunath and his wife have fled to a friend’s house and are staying there until it is safe for them to go home. Raghunath’s wife asks Shah Nahwaz if he will go to their house and get her jewelry box. Her servant, Milkhi, will be there to let him in. Shah Nahwaz accepts his help with distaste. Milkhi has always revolted him for reasons that are unclear. After he and Milkhi retrieve the jewelry box, Milkhi walks down the stairs ahead of him. Shah Nahwaz kicks him in the back suddenly. Milkhi flies down the stairs and breaks his back. Shah Nahwaz is stunned. He doesn’t know why he did such a violent thing. When he delivers the jewels to Raghunath’s wife, he says that Milkhi had an accident and suggests that if they bring Milkhi to where they are staying, he may have a better chance at recovery.