The Inheritance of Loss

Biju learns that no buses travel to Kalimpong due to the roadblocks and recent violence. A man at the bus station tells him he can try to obtain a ride in a GNLF jeep. Biju waits four days and gives the GNLF American money in exchange for a seat and transport for his luggage. The jeep winds along the treacherous road through intermittent rain and passing clouds. Biju considers his homeland and the generational curse of his family sending loved ones away to work. Biju thinks, “How wonderful it was going to be to have things otherwise” (342).

The judge dreams of Mutt’s death and is outraged when the cook appears in the dream to tell him the news. He wakes and says, “Don’t touch her! I’ll kill you!” (343). He repeats this sentiment to the cook later that day, blaming the cook for letting Mutt wander away. The cook protests, but the judge repeats his accusations. The cook questions if he did fail in his duty to watch the dog. Sai tries to find the cook and excuse the judge’s rage. Uncle Potty asks her to come over for a drink, but she continues searching.