Zafar, Farouq, and two women begin the hunger strike in a tent across from the courthouse. Elli begs them not to do it and explains what will happen to their bodies. She and others are horrified when Zafar announces that they will not drink water during their fast. Elli tells them they will die in only a few days. Animal criticizes her hypocrisy for pretending to care about them. Nisha is furious with Zafar.

The city is abuzz with talk of the four “new saints” (292), whose bodies begin to break down. People gather outside the tent to be in their presence. The two women end their strike. When Zafar is sleeping, Nisha sneaks him some water, infuriating him. Nisha tells him, “You can’t fight if you’re dead” (293). She says the Kampani is “laughing at” (293) him. Animal can see that Zafar agrees but that “he is tired of fighting and that this is the only way he can stop with honor” (294). Nisha tells him she refuses to watch him die, and he orders her to leave.

Zafar and Farouq grow weak in the blazing heat of Nautapa.