This was the great thing about being reporter— you got to ask the questions instead of answering them.
-- Narrator (chapter 2)

Importance: At the beginning of the novel, Smita uses her career in journalism to supplant her desire for personal relationships and keep other people at a distance. This quote exemplifies the comfort and safety she feels in anonymity and her desire not to reveal personal information. While Smita is deeply lonely, she is afraid that confiding in anyone will leave her too vulnerable and potentially cause pain. Throughout the novel, Smita struggles to continue believing this as she develops a close friendship with Mohan and sees the ways in which Meena's relationship with Abdul gave her strength.

Being uncomfortable is good, beta. It's in discomfort that growth happens.
-- Asif (chapter 4)

Importance: Smita recalls her father telling her that discomfort is a tool for growth when they moved to the United States. This quotation foreshadows Smita's experience...