Amir is smitten with Soraya but unable to approach her. Baba counsels Amir, reminding him that the General has nang and namoos — honor and pride, respectively. One day, Amir is too bold, and after inquiring about the General and sending his regards, he asks Soraya a question. Inquiring about the book she is reading leads to a conversation. Conversing with her is shocking, outrageous, and the source of gossip.
Jamila, Soraya's mother, returns while Amir and Soraya are still talking; however, she smiles instead of acting scandalized. Amir impresses Jamila by declining her invitation of sitting down and having a peach, and as she packs some fruit for him and his father, she invites him to visit again.
Amir begins to watch the stalls, and when the General leaves for a walk, Amir walks by his stand. When Khanum Taheri, the General's wife, is present, she invites Amir to sit, chat, and share some tea.
One day, Soraya tells Amir that she wants to be a teacher and shares with him a story about the time she helped a servant learn to read, reminding Amir how he ridiculed Hassan. Amir shares with Soraya a story that he had written, but just as she is receiving it, the General returns, takes the story, and throws it in the trash.
