The Buddha of Suburbia

Late at night, Karim stays up and contemplates his life. He reveals more about his daily reality by disclosing the constant threat of physical violence he lives with at school. He faces daily name-calling, spitting, and other boys pissing on his shoes. He is even beaten by a predatory teacher. He wonders what world his father is living in to think that Karim can become a doctor; Karim can barely stand to attend school every day. He also contemplates Jamila’s life; her freedom suddenly brought up short by her father’s sudden devotion to patriarchal authority. He briefly considers how she can leave home, but no realistic options present themselves.

As he is bicycling around the neighborhood one day, he sees his father go into a telephone box. Certain that he is calling Eva, Karim waits. Karim confronts his father, asking him if he is in love with Eva. Haroon admits that he must be, but that he cannot tell his wife about his feelings because he doesn’t want to hurt anyone. He knows that his love for Eva will devastate and destroy his family.

Several days later, Karim meets Helen and Charlie when he’s leaving school. He’s on his way to meet