Discuss the role of Dr.Pal in the life of Margaya and his family

Dr. Pal is Margayya’s business associate for much of the novel. He is a journalist for a Tamil newspaper and a self-described sociologist on the side. He and Margayya meet while Margayya is looking for a red lotus flower. He is writing a book, which is about sex life and married couples. When Margayya prints it, the book—titled Domestic Harmony—is wildly successful and Dr. Pal becomes a wealthy man. His close friendship with Balu, which Margayya views with suspicion, ultimately leaves Balu more selfish and greedy than he was before, as Dr. Pal encourages his self-indulgence. Pal is also integral in arranging Balu’s marriage. Sadly, though Dr. Pal helps Margayya earn money, he's also responsible for his ruin.