Who is Hermit from Sudden Fiction International: Sixty Short-short Stories and what is their importance?

The Hermit in House Opposite is an ascetic living in India. He is focused on meditation, cleanliness and purity; so he is deeply dismayed by the presence of a prostitute in the dwelling opposite his. At first he is merely annoyed by her loud gatherings, but after a time he becomes obsessed with her sinful ways. He can think of nothing but her, and eventually he resolves to tell her to leave for shame. On the hermit's way across the road to her house though, he is intercepted by the prostitute. She has a tray of offerings and asks his blessing. He obliges.