The Perfumist of Paris

Lakshmi picks Radha up in Agra, where the smells and sounds of India awaken her homesickness. Lakshmi has traveled from Shimla to Agra to introduce Radha to Nasreen and Havi, the courtesans she believes will be able to help Radha in her quest for perfumes. Lakshmi helps Radha disguise her foreign appearance to protect her from pickpockets, and as they head to the haveli (or mansion), they catch up on family, Lakshmi’s business, and the economic troubles plaguing India following independence. Crimes are up against the wealthy and anyone appearing foreign, and Lakshmi warns her that Nasreen and Havi, though still wealthy, have seen a dramatic change in clientele and interest in their services. Wealthy families have left the country and few appreciate the traditional arts and formal etiquette that once earned their kotha (or brothel) respect and high standing.

Radha is disappointed by the shabby haveli where Nasreen and Havi live, but inside, the place is elegant and smells of sandalwood so strongly that she is overcome with memories of losing Niki. When they meet Nasreen and Havi, Lakshmi performs pranama—she respectfully bows and touches their feet—and this confuses Radha since the kotha’s proprietors are wealthy but not of higher social standing than herself and Lakshmi.