Rahim Khan's Story of Hassan and Sanaubar

Rahim Khan recounts Hassan's life after leaving Kabul, including his marriage, Sanaubar's return, and Sohrab's birth.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Finding Hassan in Bamiyan

Finding Hassan in Bamiyan The Loneliness After Baba and Amir flee, Rahim Khan lives alone in Baba's house. He becomes lonely and decides to find Hassan. He drives to Hazarajat, to a small village near Bamiyan. There, he finds Hassan, now a grown man, married to Farzana. Hassan is living in a mud hut, working as a farmer. He is happy to see Rahim Khan. The Invitation Rahim Khan asks Hassan to return to Kabul to help take care of Baba's house. Hassan initially refuses, but after learning of Baba's death, he weeps and agrees. He and Farzana move into the servants' hut in the backyard. Hassan refuses to live in the main house out of respect for Amir. He tends the garden, repairs the walls, and keeps the house alive. Sanaubar's Return In 1990, a disfigured woman appears at the gate. It is Sanaubar, Hassan's mother, who abandoned him as a baby. She has been attacked and her face is scarred. Hassan takes her in and nurses her back to health. He never asks where she has been. She helps deliver Sohrab, Hassan's son, and becomes a devoted grandmother. She dies peacefully a few years later.

Hassan's Life Under the Taliban

Hassan's Life Under the Taliban The New Regime When the Taliban take over Kabul in 1996, Hassan is worried. He knows the Taliban hate Hazaras. Rahim Khan is optimistic, but Hassan is cautious. The Taliban ban kite fighting and impose strict rules. Hassan continues to live quietly, teaching Sohrab to read and write, and taking him to the zoo. The Massacre of Hazaras In 1998, the Taliban massacre Hazaras in Mazar-i-Sharif. Hassan's fears are confirmed. He knows his life is in danger, but he refuses to leave the house. He writes a letter to Amir, telling him about Sohrab and expressing hope that they will meet one day. The letter is never sent. The Murder After Rahim Khan leaves for Pakistan, the Taliban come to the house. They accuse Hassan of being a trespasser. When he protests, they shoot him in the back of the head. Farzana attacks them and is also killed. Sohrab is taken to an orphanage. The Taliban move into the house. Rahim Khan learns of this from a neighbor and decides to contact Amir.

1986

1996 to 1998