The Kite Runner | Chapter 3

Baba is one of the richest merchants in Kabul. Some of his businesses are an orphanage, a restaurant, and a carpet-exporting business. Baba is a formidable man, both in stature and business. Amir is not able to draw close to his father because he is afraid of his father for his mother died while giving birth to him. Amir imagines that he is indirectly responsible for his mother's death and that his father hates him for that.

Baba says that theft is the one true sin. All other sins (such as murder) are variants of theft. He believes that a murderer robs a wife of a husband, a child of a father. Baba’s father was murdered when Baba was a child.

One day, Amir overhears a conversation between Baba and Rahim Khan. Baba says that he doesn’t understand his son Amir who is so timid and is unable to defend himself. Even when teased and pushed in the streets, it's Hassan who has to defend him. Baba does not respect this quality, and Baba says that if he had not been an eywitness to Amir’s birth, he would not believe that Amir is his son.

Rahim Khan says Amir just lacks a mean streak. Baba is glad Rahim Khan understands Amir and can be close to him.

The next day, Amir snaps at Hassan out of jealousy. Amir says he does have a mean streak.