Moth Smoke

Murad Badshah, self-described “rickshaw fleet captain and land pirate” (59), tells the story of how he became acquainted with Darashikoh Shezad: One fateful day, Murad picked up one of his regular rickshaw customers, Professor Julius Superb, and he brought along his student Daru. Murad and Daru socialize in different circles, Murad admits, but they became friends because of their mutual interests.

Murad then relates how the rickshaw business is nearly devastated by the arrival of yellow cabs. As an enterprising businessman, however, Murad sees opportunity: He robs the cabs to supplement his income and keep his business afloat. Over time, these robberies become more difficult—the yellow cabs invest in more security, and Murad is shot in revenge—so he decides to rob boutique stores, instead. This is when he asks Daru to help him. Daru’s middle-class appearance will not arouse suspicion; thus, he can secure the store, brandishing a gun at the security guard, before Murad swoops in and relieves patrons of jewelry and money. However, Murad claims that, in the midst of their first robbery, he saw Daru shoot one of the patrons.