Nobody lives a life without consequences.
-- Guari Ma'am (chapter 1)

Importance: At the start of the novel, Rakhi decides to ride the first class train car without a ticket. When she runs into Guari Ma'am on board, Ma'am scolds her for breaking the rules. Ma'am's words about mistakes and consequences convey Ma'am's authoritative role in Rakhi's life. This moment also foreshadows the ways in which Rakhi will take risks throughout the novel, perpetually convincing herself that she will be able to escape punishment.

And why should they care about my life? Who asked them to?
-- Rakhi as Narrator (chapter 2)

Importance: On Alex's first day at the office, he and the Dutch interns talk to Rakhi about her life in the Behrampada slum. The more they exclude her from the conversation, the more ashamed and embarrassed Rakhi feels. This moment reveals the ways in which Rakhi perceives herself in comparison to her white peers. Indeed, despite its founding mission, she feels...