Murad had been the spoilt rich boy with money in his pocket for cinema shows and cigarettes and Deven the poor widow’s son who could be bribed abd bought to do anything for him, and although this had been the basis of their friendship, it had grown and altered and stood the test of time. But … [Deven]could not bear to think of Murad flashing those brightly colored teeth in another derisive grin and saying, ‘Oh, still a two-cigarette man?
-- The Narration   (chapter 1)

Importance: This quote, from early in the narrative, establishes the essential nature of the relationship between Deven and Murad. That nature is apparent in most of the scenes in which they interact, but later in the narrative, Deven finds the courage and the strength and the integrity to stand up for himself, and least make an attempt to face down Murad's manipulations.

[Deven] had never found a way to reconcile...
-- The Narration  (chapter 2)