Malik and Lakshmi can’t understand why Ravi would compromise his lucrative family business until a theory occurs to Malik. He takes Lakshmi to visit his jeweler friend, Moti-Lal. The jeweler explains that the Gold Control Act of 1968 limits how much gold a jeweler can keep on hand. It was an attempt to stem the trade imbalance created by India’s dependence on foreign gold imports. The government thought that people would eventually stop buying so much gold, but they haven’t.

Moti-Lal says that his customers continue to demand more gold for bridal gifts than he’s allowed to possess. As a result, the jeweler buys gold on the contraband market just to meet demand: “I’m doing the same thing every other jeweler’s doing. If I can buy gold being smuggled into India—gold I won’t declare to the authorities—why wouldn’t I? Otherwise, my shelves would be completely empty!” (276). Malik produces the hollow brick he scavenged from the wreck site, and Moti-Lal shows him a contraband bar of gold that fits the slot exactly.

After the meeting, Malik goes to call on Hakeem at home. Much to his surprise, he finds the accountant sharing quarters with the theater manager, Mr.