The Pearl That Broke Its Shell

Shekiba and Agha Baraan ride away from Kabul without speaking. Once in Baraan’s house, Shekib meets his first wife, Gulnaz, who is not thrilled that her husband has taken on a second wife. She warns Shekiba in private that it is he household and Shekiba should not expect to change the order of things. Shekiba comes to realize that though Agha Baraan and Gulnaz have a nice household, they have no children. Shekiba is expected to take on many of the household chores. She learns that Agha Baraan’s first name is Aasif. Aasif is much more distant with Shekiba than with Gulnaz. He rarely talks with her. When they do speak, the interaction is awkward. One night, Asif enters Shekiba’s small room. He confides in her that he feels terrible about Benafsha’s death. Shekiba recognizes his speech as “Ramblings of a guilty conscience” (340). He tells her that Gulnaz is not happy at the moment, but things will get better.

Rahima returns home. She rushes from the car to meet Jameela, crying out for Jahangir. Jameela catches her and holds her close. She tells her, “Rahima-jan, Rahima-jan, God has decided to take your son! He’s taken your little boy, dear girl!” (341).