His face often at this moment had the same expression, an expression of childish innocent joy, which contrasted strangely and even sadly with the heaviness of his face and its lines and stubble.
-- Narration (Story 1 – “Nawabdin Electrician”)

Importance: This quote is a vivid description of the central character, encompassing narratively significant aspects of his personality (i.e. childishness juxtaposed with the consequences of a burden-filled life) in a description of his face.

[Saleema's] love affairs had been so plainly mercantile transactions that she hadn’t learned to be coquettish. But the little hopeful girl in her awoke now.”
-- Narration (Story 2 – “Saleema”)

Importance: In this quote, narration describes the inner situation of not only this character, in her quest for security, but that of several other female characters in the collection in similar situations: the hope that awakens in conjunction with, perhaps in spite of, the more mercenary side of their inclinations towards relationship.

Lying and staring at the ceiling...
-- Narration (Story 2 – “Saleema”)