Shantaram

Lin recalls his prison escape. He and another inmate managed to exploit the prison renovations in one wing while working as gardeners. They had to cut through several walls and climb an extension cord onto the roof before dropping onto the street below and disappearing into the city.

Lin remembers how afraid he was as he hid from the nightly patrols in the city. He is also aware that he, as a criminal, has instilled the same fear in others. Now, despite his fugitive status, Lin feels that he belongs. He acquires medical books and thinks of Karla often. However, he also feels shame, believes he has let everyone down, and thinks the world would be better off without him. One evening, Lin tries to will himself to step off a cliff. At the last moment, a young man named Abdullah speaks to him. Lin realizes Abdullah is the man who helped him during the attack in the Standing Babas’ corridor. Now he says someone wants to meet Lin.

Lin meets two men in a car: Abdel Khader Kahn and his driver, Nazeer. Khan is a mafia boss. Lin uses the respectful name Khaderbhai, which Kahn appreciates. He says he is pleased that Lin works in the Colaba hutments, which belong to him.