The Yacoubian Building

Zaki Bey feels at home in Maxim’s restaurant. The owner, Madame Christine Nicholas, has Greek parentage but was born and raised in Egypt. She sings and plays the piano in the bar. Once lovers, she and Zaki Bey are now friends. She listens attentively whenever he feels oppressed or lost. They sit together and drink wine, Zaki Bey explaining how Dawlat kicked him out of the house. He is convinced that his sister is trying to secure the family assets. Christine bets a bottle of whiskey that she can make peace between them. Zaki Bey leaves and glumly wanders the streets. When he returns to Maxim’s, Christine apologizes. Dalwat will not allow him to return home and has threatened legal action if he tries to return.

The next day, Abaskharon brings all of Zaki’s clothes. Dalwat had lodged complaints at the police station, and no friends can find a resolution. A lawyer advises Zaki that it might be easier to hire thugs to kick his sister out of the apartment. Zaki plays along but knows that he will not act against his sister, as “he always backs down in front of her and he’s not a fighter by nature” (85).