Parvati, like my other ladies, said things to me she would never have said to one of her peers. I was childless and, therefore, a subject of pity, someone to whom my ladies could feel superior… Without this assortment of credentials, I would never have been allowed into the confidence of my ladies…
-- Lakshmi (Part One: One)

Importance: This establishes the difference between Lakshmi and her clients including her caste. To her clients, Lakshmi is only allowed into their homes because she is married but childless. They do not believe she has anyone else to tell their secrets to, and they are willing to confide in her. This is important as it allows Lakshmi to do things like the marriage contract between the Sharmas and the Singhs. This also shows where Lakshmi is at in her business and life before everything begins to fall apart.

It wasn’t that I was ashamed of my work...
-- Lakshmi (Part One: Four)