Nikhil

Nikhil is the protagonist and central character in the novel's title story, "A Small Sacrifice for an Enormous Happiness." At the beginning of the story, Nikhil confidently assumes that his lover, Sharma, will be interested in allowing Nikhil to impregnate his wife, Tripti, so that Nikhil and Sharma can raise a baby together. Nikhil comes from a significantly more upper-class background than his friend and lover; he lives in a nice house and has a manservant, while Sharma spends his days toiling at a steel foundry in order to provide for his life with Tripti.

Gradually, it becomes clear that Nikhil's presumptions and sense of entitlement to make demands on Sharma's time are erroneous and rooted in the misconception that he is the most important part of Sharma's life. Indeed, Nikhil exposes his lack of open-mindedness, his privilege, and his lack of consideration for others when he approaches...