Once again, Pinky’s struggles and motivations mirror those of her brother Sampath. Both siblings constantly try to escape from the social pressures and expectations that keep them from what they want. The Hungry Hop boy’s family (understandably) tries to keep him away from the girl who bit his ear, but Pinky never stops defying their traditional worldview and pursuing a relationship with him. Like many such scenarios in the novel, their secret romantic correspondence is equal parts silly and oddly touching.