The story begins with two men standing in a Delhi bazaar, described as tall and lean with the attire typical of the region. The first man is identified as an Afghan, noted for his hawk-like features and a prominent Khyber knife—a symbol of his heritage and martial prowess. His companion, a Sikh, is distinguished by his long saber and the confident demeanor of a skilled swordsman.

The Afghan, Ali Khan, expresses his impatience with the delay of their associates, criticizing the typical sluggishness he associates with babus. His Sikh friend responds with a smile, suggesting that their delay might be due to their friend, a Calcutta babu, preventing another companion, Ali Beg, from wasteful spending and flirtatious pursuits.

Soon, the awaited pair arrives. The first is the aforementioned Calcutta babu, a portly young man reflecting the bureaucratic class of the city. Accompanying him is a striking figure, Ali Beg of Turkestan. His appearance is markedly distinct with a dyed red beard, a wide Bokhariot girdle, and weapons that signal his northern origins and warrior status. His presence draws the attention of local women, both Hindu and Muslim, pleasing Ali Beg as they admire his exotic allure.

This brief narrative sets the stage for an intersection of cultures and characters, each bringing their own backgrounds and behaviors to the colorful chaos of the Delhi bazaar.