In this chapter Amir finally picks up his courage and talks to Soraya for the
first time by himself. At the flea market they begin to talk about Amir’s
writing and Amir asks if Soraya wants to read one of his stories. Despise Baba’s
warnings; referring to honour and pride, the two of them begin to meet more
regularly. Baba is not pleased because according to Afghan customs it is
considered inappropriate for an Afghan boy and girl to talk to each other in
public without supervision, unless they are married. Baba also tries to
dissuade Amir by reminding him that General Taheri, Soraya’s father and a
Pashtun, will not permit his honour and pride to agree to the match. True to
Baba’s prediction the General get angry when Amir gives a story he has written
to Soraya. The General takes it from him and throws it promptly into the
garbage can.
Baba is later diagnosed with
inoperable lung cancer. He refuses medical treatment and instructs Amir not to
tell anyone by saying: “I don’t want anybody’s sympathy.” Baba insists that
they keep on living like they used to, before he was diagnosed. However the
disease takes its toll, and he collapses at the flea market and everybody comes
to know that he has cancer.
Days later Baba has
recovered, and has been taken home from the hospital. Amir’s love for Soraya
has only grown greater, and he wants to marry her. Therefore Amir asks Baba to
get the Generals approval, and General Taheri agrees. In private, Soraya
reveals her past to Amir. Amir admits to her that he is slightly disturbed by
her confession, but that he loves her nevertheless. Amir secretly admires
Soraya for her courage, and the fact that her secret is out.
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