In May 1969, in the northern Indian city of Jaipur, a 20-year-old man named Malik is attending the grand opening of the Royal Jewel Cinema. He’s proud to be associated with the building’s construction, which is being sponsored by the Maharani Latika. Malik was sent to Jaipur by his guardian, Lakshmi, to learn about architecture and construction under the instruction of a family friend, Manu Agarwal. Malik explains, “Manu is the director of facilities at the Jaipur Palace, shepherding building projects like these, and I’ve been sent by Auntie-Boss to learn his trade” (2).

The maharani gives a welcoming address, and then the film begins. Everything proceeds smoothly through intermission, when many patrons file out to seek refreshments from street vendors. After the short break, Malik follows the crowd back toward the lobby. Before he enters, he hears the sound of something collapsing and the screams of the people trapped inside.

The story now shifts back two months to March 1969 in the beautiful northern mountain town of Shimla. A young widow named Nimmi assumes the narration. She comes from a mountain group of shepherds and is still grieving the accidental death of her husband, who fell down a gorge while rescuing a goat.