What a contrast: the paleness of those buds - strung with needle and thread into a fluffy bracelet - against the darkness of the lady's skin! And what a contrast, again: the delicacy of their perfume against the robust smell of roasting meat! It is remarkable indeed how we human beings are capable of delighting in the mating call of a flower while we are surrounded by the charred carcasses of our fellow animals - but then again we are remarkable creatures.
Mohsin Hamid, The Reluctant Fundamentalist















