Chapter 16
I-Dilnavaz is surprised to find a bearded man named Ghulam Mohammed at her house. She initially hesitates to lock the door and bolt it, but eventually allows him to stay inside. Tehmul, who is worried about the black-bearded thief, asks Gustad to come later. Gustad arrives and tells Tehmul that he wants nothing more with her or Mr. Bilimoria. He apologizes for disturbing her and her wife and promises to consider Bili Boy’s request to go to Delhi.
Ghulam returns a newspaper about Bili Boy, stating that a retrial is not necessary due to the head of the Special Investigation Team’s request for more time to review evidence. The report finds that a retrial is not necessary, and sentencing is expected soon. Gustad pleads with Ghulam to meet Bili Boy before they finish him off, but Ghulam insists that it is his last chance.
Gustad offers to arrange a visit to Bili Boy in prison, but Ghulam accepts the train ticket and his hatred towards Ghulam. He gives him an empty bottle of Hercules XXX, which was Bili Boy’s favorite from the old days in Kashmir. Dilnavaz returns from Miss Kutpitia and they chat pleasantly as Ghulam leaves.
Gustad is concerned about Dinshawji’s health and the situation with his parents. He receives a phone call from Parsi General, who cannot find Alamai’s number. Gustad explains that Dinshawji became unconscious late in the afternoon and must go immediately. He explains that he met Malcolm Saldanha at Crawford Market and that miracles are still happening every day. Dilnavaz comforts him.
Dilnavaz tries to comfort him, but he becomes bitter when Dinshawji becomes quiet. He recalls how he looked when he came for Roshan’s birthday and how he promised him health, wealth, and gold. Roshan is also sick and asks when he will go to Dadaji. Gustad reassures Roshan that he is much better and that he will grow up and have children before Dadaji is interested in calling him to heaven.
In the compound, Cavasji informs Gustad that the Tatas will have their board meeting on Monday morning, and he must remember them. Mrs. Pastakia screams at Gustad, causing her head to explode. Gustad wonders where her husband is, allowing her to talk this way to his father.
II – Gustad, visits the hospital after his friend Dinshawji’s death. The nurse accuses him of not being there for Dinshawji before he passed away. Gustad enters the ward and notices that Dinshawji’s wife is not present. He reflects on the sleeping patients and the inevitability of death.Gustad observes the empty bed and the removal of medical equipment from Dinshawji’s body. He contemplates the disposal of Dinshawji’s remains after the funeral.Alamai, Dinshawji’s wife, enters the ward with their nephew Nusli. Nusli expresses fear of the hearse, but Gustad offers to accompany them.Gustad leaves the ward and sits in a garden, reminiscing about a family trip to Matheran and his deceased mother.
He reminisces about a pleasant vacation in Matheran, filled with delicious food, pony rides, and walks to various points of interest.The chef at the vacation spot makes a special pudding for the guests, but breaks the bowl after they finish eating it, leaving a lasting impression on the narrator.The novel then shifts to the present, where the narrator recalls the closure of a bankrupt bookstore and the emotional impact it had on them.The focus then turns to the death of someone named Dinshu, and the preparations for his funeral. Alamai, Dinshu’s widow, displays dramatic and emotional behavior during the funeral procession.The narrator reflects on the routine nature of death and the prayers offered during the funeral. There is a soft glow of a lamp on Dinshu’s face during the prayers.
III– Dilnavaz was asleep on the sofa when the person entered the room with a latchkey, waking her up. Dilnavaz asked if it was very late, and the person checked the clock and his watch, revealing that it was around eleven-thirty. The person opened the glass of the clock and felt for the key, indicating that the clock had stopped. The person then proceeded to tell Dilnavaz about Alamai, Nusli, the hearse, and their arrival at Doongerwadi. The person mentioned being tired and sleepy when they went to the bungalee, intending to leave in five minutes, but got caught up in the prayers. The person described the beauty of the prayers and how they kept listening.The person moved the minute hand of the clock to match the time and mentioned seeing Dinshawji’s face on a marble slab, looking peaceful and smiling. Dilnavaz asked what the person meant, and they explained that they saw Dinshawji’s face at the hospital and in the hearse, but he wasn’t smiling then.The person checked their watch again and adjusted the clock’s minute hand. Dilnavaz mentioned the power of prayer and how it can put a smile on Dinshawji’s face or in the person’s eyes. The person expressed the hope that when they pass away, there will be a smile on their face and in Dilnavaz’s eyes. The clock remained silent, and the person gently pushed the pendulum before closing the glass.
Chapter 17
I– The funeral notice for Dinshawji was missed by many, but they found out about it through a memo from the bank manager. Gustad was given a choice before the memo was written and Mr. Madon offered him a ride to the funeral. There was a large turnout at Doongerwadi for the funeral, with many friends and colleagues attending. Gustad observed that Dinshawji had brought laughter into the lives of many people. Alamai saved a place for Gustad in the first row and introduced Nusli, expressing Dinshawji’s hope that Nusli would work with him at the bank. The funeral proceeded with prayers and rituals, including the presence of a dog. Alamai had a moment of emotional outburst, but was eventually calmed down by the women around her. The procession to the Tower, where the body would be exposed to vultures, began with Gustad and Nusli walking together.
The mourners marched up the hill, linked by white handkerchiefs, and paid their respects to Dinshawji. The body was placed on a stone platform outside the Tower, and the vultures began to gather. Nusli became nervous about the vultures, but Gustad reassured him. The mourners went to the nearby atash-dadgah to pray, while the vultures descended on the Tower. After the prayers, the mourners washed their hands and faces before returning to the world of the living. Gustad impulsively asked for leave on Friday and Saturday, which Mr. Madon understood to be related to Dinshawji’s death ceremonies.
II– Gustad arrives at Victoria Terminus and discovers that the trains are not running due to a strike. He contemplates canceling his trip and returning his ticket for a refund. Gustad buys tea from a stall and observes the people and activities at the station. An announcement is made that an unreserved train to New Delhi is boarding. Gustad pays a coolie to secure a seat on the train. The train becomes crowded with luggage and passengers, but eventually settles down. Gustad engages in conversation with a fellow passenger who is also traveling for personal reasons. Gustad reminisces about his friend Dinshawji and the journey they both took in life. The train continues through the night, and Gustad falls asleep against the window.
III– Dilnavaz is facing a series of disasters after Gustad’s departure. She is worried about Gustad’s well-being and wishes he hadn’t gone to Delhi. Dilnavaz is concerned about Gustad potentially entering a jail, even as a visitor. Miss Kutpitia has prescribed a remedy for Roshan’s illness, but Dilnavaz hasn’t followed it yet. Dilnavaz is worried about Sohrab and his health, and it is affecting Gustad as well. Mr. Rabadi confronts Dilnavaz about her son running after his daughter and touching her inappropriately. Dilnavaz tries to shut the door on Mr. Rabadi, but Darius, her son, forcefully closes it. Dilnavaz is proud of Darius but concerned about the accusations made by Mr. Rabadi. Dilnavaz suspects that Rabadi’s daughter is taking Roshan’s health and weight. Dilnavaz plans to prepare a mixture to address the situation, with the tricky part being wetting Rabadi’s scalp with it.
IV– Gustad is awakened by the luggage-rack man on the train. Gustad climbs up to the rack with the man’s help and lies down. Gustad reminisces about a train journey with his wife, Dilnavaz, on their honeymoon. Gustad is sexually assaulted by someone on the train, but pretends to be asleep and defends himself. Gustad falls back asleep and wakes up feeling cold. Gustad feels a sense of peace and resolution as he thinks about his prayers with his son, Jimmy. Gustad gets off the train at the next station and thanks the luggage-rack man for the bed. Gustad buys tea for himself and the luggage-rack man. Gustad reflects on the luggage-rack man’s forced marriage and feels sympathy for him. The train starts moving again and Gustad returns the tea glass to the chaiwalla before boarding the train.
Chapter 18
I– Gustad is walking and reflecting on Jimmy, who is in jail, and soldiers at the railway station.Gustad is covered in dust from the train journey and tries to brush it off. He washes his face and clears his throat before heading to meet Mr. Kashyap. Mr.Kashyap informs Gustad that Jimmy has been moved to the hospital due to high fever and weakness. Gustad is allowed to visit Jimmy in the hospital for thirty minutes. Gustad is shocked by Jimmy’s appearance, as he has become emaciated and weak. Jimmy struggles to speak due to injections for his infection, but Gustad reassures him and offers his support. Jimmy explains that he caught an infection in the Sundarbans and has been receiving various treatments. Gustad reassures Jimmy about his family and mentions his own four-year sentence in Delhi. Jimmy expresses his longing for Khodadad Building and their morning rituals of wrestling and prayers. Jimmy hints at corruption and dirty work that goes to the top, causing him despair. Gustad listens and offers his support as Jimmy begins to share what has been happening.
Gustad, is watching his friend Jimmy suffer from the effects of an injection, which has left him weak and unable to speak properly. Jimmy reveals that he used to work for the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and was in charge of spying on opposition parties and ministers for blackmail purposes. Jimmy expresses his disgust at the corruption and crookedness within RAW, including spying on the Prime Minister’s own cabinet members. Jimmy recounts his involvement in training and supplying the Mukti Bahini, a group of Bengali fighters, during the Bangladesh Liberation War. Jimmy shares a proud moment when Bangladesh gained independence, but also mentions the destruction caused by the Pakistani Air Force. Jimmy reveals that he was entrusted with a large sum of money by the Prime Minister, but suspects that he was set up to take the fall for her actions. Jimmy’s speech becomes increasingly difficult, and he falls into a restless sleep.
II– Dilnavaz wants an extra quarter litre of milk, but the bhaiya is reluctant to give it to her. Dilnavaz decides to make a mixture using various ingredients, including spices and a spider’s egg-case. She plans to pour the mixture on Mr. Rabadi, the dogwalla, as revenge for his mistreatment of her. Dilnavaz successfully pours the mixture on Mr. Rabadi, causing him pain and distress. Roshan, Dilnavaz’s daughter, overhears Mr. Rabadi’s shouting and asks about it. Dilnavaz then approaches Miss Kutpitia for help with her son, Sohrab, and they discuss a remedy involving a lizard. Miss Kutpitia gives Dilnavaz a shoe-box with a lizard inside and instructs her to keep it under Sohrab’s bed until sunrise. Dilnavaz is to bring the box back the next day along with Tehmul. Dilnavaz encounters Mr. Rabadi again in the compound and notices the smell of garlic on him. Dilnavaz reflects on her longing for her son and the pain in her heart.
III– Jimmy is still under the influence of an injection when Gustad returns from the canteen. Jimmy reveals that the Prime Minister called him to her office and made plans to protect herself, but he suspects she is trying to trap him. The Prime Minister arranged for money to help Mukti Bahini, but she is having second thoughts due to the risk of her enemies finding out. Jimmy agrees to write a confession stating that he imitated the Prime Minister’s voice to continue helping Mukti Bahini. Jimmy discovers that the money he was disbursing for supplies was intercepted and rerouted to a private account, possibly for the Prime Minister’s son’s car factory or election fund. Instead of exposing the corruption, Jimmy decides to keep some of the money for himself, Gustad, and Ghulam Mohammed. Jimmy is arrested based on his confession, but he refuses to implicate Gustad and Ghulam. Jimmy believes that the courts and media are controlled by those in power, so the only option is to quietly serve his four-year sentence. Jimmy seeks forgiveness from Gustad, who reassures him that there is nothing to forgive. They reminisce about their childhood and say their goodbyes before Jimmy is silenced by another injection. The Prime Minister announces that India is at war with Pakistan due to a bombing of Indian airfields. Gustad tries to buy a newspaper but finds them too expensive.
Chapter Nineteen
I-Dilnavaz leaves a lizard under Sohrab’s dholni, hoping it will bring him back. She visits Miss Kutpitia, who has a mysterious remedy for Sohrab’s return. Miss Kutpitia takes Dilnavaz and Tehmul into a forbidden chamber filled with the remnants of her nephew Farad’s belongings. Miss Kutpitia cuts off part of the lizard’s tail and places it in a lamp, which Tehmul finds amusing. Miss Kutpitia warns Dilnavaz not to look at the burning tail, as it could have dangerous consequences. Tehmul plays outside while the tail burns, and his voice suggests that the tail has escaped from the glass and onto Farad’s exercise book.
II– Gustad notices that the compound wall has been filled with pictures of prophets, saints, and holy places in oils and enamels. The wall is adorned with flowers, garlands, and fragrances, creating a heavenly atmosphere. The artist responsible for the paintings plans to build a small shelter for himself at the corner of the wall. The artist shows Gustad various paintings on the wall, including Hindu, Christian, and Islamic figures. The artist reveals a surprise painting of Dustoorji Baria, a controversial Parsi holy man, added at the request of Mr. Rabadi. Inspector Bamji criticizes Dustoorji Baria, calling him a charlatan, but Mr. Rabadi defends his saintliness. The artist believes that faith and belief in miracles are more important than analyzing their authenticity. Gustad appreciates the transformation of the wall into a beautiful and fragrant place. The presence of a fire engine suggests that there may be a fire in Miss Kutpitia’s flat, causing concern for her well-being.
III– Miss Kutpitia’s flat survived a fire largely unscathed, leading people to believe it was a miracle or divine intervention. The fire only caused damage to the locked rooms, where Miss Kutpitia’s cherished mementos were destroyed. Despite the loss, Miss Kutpitia remains surprisingly cheerful and is receiving sympathetic attention from others. Dilnavaz , who had been involved in unspeakable things with Miss Kutpitia, feels a sense of relief and happiness after the fire. Gustad tells Jimmy’s story to Dilnavaz, expressing his anguish at Jimmy’s condition. Gustad and Darius work together to prepare for the war, including mending blackout paper and creating an air-raid shelter. Gustad shares stories of his family’s carpentry history with Darius, who holds his great-grandfather’s hammer. Gustad helps Miss Kutpitia with her swollen windows, noticing a positive change in her demeanor. The city is preparing for war, with blackout measures in place and a sense of melancholy in the air. Inspector Bamji discusses the war and the precautions being taken to protect the city.
Chapter Twenty
I– Mr. Madon issued guidelines and directives for air raids and sirens, including the appointment of wardens in each department. Employees were instructed to lock up cash and retreat beneath their desks during air raids, with exceptions made for those sharing a desk of the same sex. The bank employees were prohibited from engaging in any inappropriate behavior, such as flirting, during air raids. The canteen atmosphere had changed due to the war, with discussions revolving around grim stories and rumors about the enemy and the Indian Army’s gallantry. The newsreels and media focused on the citizenry’s support for the war effort, including donations and pledges of support. The text mentions the activities of Shiv Sena patrols and fascists, who caused trouble during the blackout. The USA’s Seventh Fleet was ordered to the Bay of Bengal, causing negative sentiments towards Nixon and Kissinger. The Soviet Union sent cruisers and destroyers to remind the Americans of their roles and identities, leading to a peaceful resolution. Gustad’s colleague, Cavasji, expresses frustration and anger towards the injustice of the war and blackout violations. Gustad contemplates reporting the blackout violation but decides against it when Cavasji’s son intervenes.
II– The air-raid siren goes off for the third night in a row, causing Gustad and Dilnavaz to wake up. Gustad takes precautions by switching off the lights and going under the bed with his family. They hear anti-aircraft guns and worry about Pakistani bombers. Gustad decides to check the building for any potential dangers. He discovers Tehmul’s half-open window and confronts him in his room. Gustad finds Tehmul engaging in inappropriate behavior with Roshan’s doll. Gustad scolds Tehmul but also feels sympathy for him.Gustad decides to let Tehmul keep the doll and leaves his room. Gustad returns to his family and reassures them that everything is alright. The all-clear signal is given.
III– The mood in Bangladesh is optimistic as the Indian forces get closer to Dacca and the liberation of the country is imminent. Gustad visits Dr. Paymaster’s dispensary to inform him that Roshan is well and to inquire about stopping medication. Dr. Paymaster discusses the internal problems of the country, such as corruption, broken infrastructure, and pollution. Peerbhoy Paanwalla entertains a crowd with a narrative that defies genre or description, capturing the attention and emotions of the listeners. The narrative tells the story of the Drunkard, his failed attempts at amusement, and the military’s suggestion to remind him of his guns to boost his spirits. The Butcher is sent to the East Wing to suppress the Bengalis, but they continue to resist despite the violence. The Butcher and his men eventually retreat as the Indian Army approaches, and the listeners cheer for their impending liberation. Peerbhoy Paanwalla introduces a new product called the Patriotic Paan, symbolizing the Tricolour of India. Gustad leaves the group and returns home to find Tehmul, who is comforted by the light of Gustad’s pocket torch. Gustad helps Tehmul find a lost bracelet and they continue their journey upstairs.
IV – The chapter describes the aftermath of a war, with references to victory parades, surrender ceremonies, and the return to normalcy after periods of darkness and blackout. Gustad still keeps black paper on his windows despite the war being over, which raises questions from his wife about his intentions. Gustad observes a pavement artist who has turned his space into a shrine, receiving offerings from devotees and enjoying his role as a custodian. Gustad reads newspapers to stay updated on the war and feels a sense of national pride, but his mood changes when he reads a small paragraph about the death of a former RAW officer. The news of the officer’s death deeply affects Gustad, and he keeps the page from the newspaper as a personal memento.
Such a Long Journey Chapter 21-22
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