BORN IN EAST BENGAL TO A BIHARI FATHER AND A SYLHETI MOTHER, ZEBUNNESSA RAHIM GROWS UP IN A SHELTERED WORLD. IT IS AN IDYLLIC LIFE - SNEAKING BEHIND HER PARENTS BACKS TO MEET HER HALF-SCOTTISH LOVER, GAZING ENVIOUSLY AT HER FRIENDS DANCING AT PARTIES IN THEIR TIGHT SKIRTS, ENJOYING SUMMERS EATING MANGOES AT HER POLITICIAN GRANDFATHER S VILLA. UNTIL 1971, WHEN NEW BORDERS ARE DEFINED BETWEEN EAST AND WEST, BENGALI AND URDU, AND SHE BECOMES AT ONCE A VICTIM OF BOTH SIDES.