In private circles only. I know Mistry Construction depends on government contracts.
-- Perveen (chapter 2)

Importance: Perveen’s father is chastising her for being outspoken about British rule of India, and Perveen’s defense is that she is doing so only among friends, not in public where it could harm the family’s reputation either in the construction business or at the law firm. This quote aptly displays Perveen’s character early in the novel—a young woman with courage and an inclination to challenge systems she finds oppressive.

We keep saying, why not read literature like we’re doing? We’ve got four girls together in one class. The men would never dare act against one without fearing all of us would retaliate.”
-- Hema (chapter 4)

Importance: Hema, Perveen’s college acquaintance, questions Perveen’s choice in studying law. Because she is the only woman in the law school, her fellow male students bully and play pranks...