Chapter: 01. The Cabuliwallah
Character Profiles
1. Mini
Talkative & Lively: Cannot live without chattering; her incessant prattle often vexes her mother but delights her father. Curious & Imaginative: Initially frightened of the Cabuliwallah, she quickly becomes curious, imagining elephants in his bag. Innocent: Her understanding of the world is simple and pure, evident in her literal interpretation of “father-in-law’s house.” Affectionate: Forms a strong, uninhibited bond with Rahmun. Growing & Changing: As she matures into a young bride, she loses her childhood innocence and the simple bond with Rahmun. Forgets Easily: Due to her youth and the passage of time, she forgets her old friend Rahmun during his imprisonment. Mini and Narrator (Father): A very close and loving relationship. Her father deeply cherishes her chatter and is her most patient listener. Mini and Rahmun (Cabuliwallah): Develops an unlikely, innocent, and deep friendship based on shared jokes, gifts of nuts and raisins, and Rahmun’s immense patience. She represents his longing for his own daughter. Mini and Mother: Her mother is less indulgent of her talkativeness and is more focused on practical matters. 2. Rahmun (The Cabuliwallah)
Kind & Gentle: Despite his imposing appearance, he is very patient and gentle with Mini, winning her trust and affection. Fatherly & Loving: His most prominent trait is his deep, profound love for his own daughter, Parbati, which he projects onto Mini. He carries her handprint as a cherished keepsake. Sentimental: His emotional connection to his daughter is strong, driving his visits to Mini and his eventual return. Resilient: Endures years of imprisonment but still maintains his core identity and affection. Hot-Tempered (briefly): The incident leading to his imprisonment reveals a momentary outburst, contrasting with his usual gentle demeanor. Simple & Honest: He refuses payment for the fruits he gives Mini, explaining his actions are out of affection, not profit. Rahmun and Mini: Mini is a substitute for his own daughter, Parbati, fulfilling his need to nurture and share fatherly affection during his time away from home. Rahmun and Narrator (Mini’s Father): Their relationship evolves from a simple customer-merchant interaction to a profound connection based on shared fatherhood and empathy, transcending social barriers. Rahmun and Parbati (Daughter): This is the most crucial relationship, though Parbati is never present. His entire character, his journey, and his actions are defined by his love and longing for his distant daughter. 3. The Narrator (Mini’s Father)
Loving & Indulgent Father: He deeply loves Mini and encourages her lively nature, finding joy in her chatter. Observant & Reflective: As the narrator, he keenly observes the interactions around him and reflects on their deeper meanings, especially the bond between Mini and Rahmun. Intellectual & Educated: He is a writer, engaged in academic pursuits, and holds conversations about politics. Initially Prejudiced: He initially harbors societal prejudices, feeling uncomfortable and slightly judgmental towards Rahmun after his release from prison. Empathetic & Compassionate: He undergoes a significant transformation, recognizing the universal bond of fatherhood and extending profound empathy and generosity towards Rahmun. Sacrificing: He willingly reduces his daughter’s wedding expenses to help Rahmun reunite with his own child, finding deeper joy in this act. Narrator and Mini (Daughter): He is her primary confidante and plays a pivotal role in her upbringing. His perspective shapes the entire story. Narrator and Rahmun: Their relationship shifts from initial curiosity and a transactional exchange to a deep emotional understanding and connection as fellow fathers. Narrator and Wife (Mini’s Mother): A background relationship, with the wife shown as being more practical or less indulgent of Mini’s chatter. 4. Mini’s Mother
Practical: More inclined to regulate Mini’s chatter than the father. Protective: Mini runs to her for protection when initially scared of the Cabuliwallah. Mother and Mini: A typical maternal role, contrasted with the father’s more openly affectionate and philosophical approach. Mother and Narrator: Her role is secondary to the primary narrative focus. 5. Parbati
Symbolic: While never seen, she represents Rahmun’s longing for family, home, and the universal experience of parental love and separation. Distant: Lives in Kabul, far from Rahmun. Parbati and Rahmun (Father): The unseen but central figure who motivates Rahmun’s actions and deep affection for Mini. Their bond is the driving force behind Rahmun’s character development and the narrator’s ultimate empathy. 
Character Profile