Bombay

A determined journalism student who returns from Bombay to his Tamil Nadu home. He pursues Shaila despite family opposition, showing persistence and idealism. He becomes a bridge between Hindu and Muslim families while continuing his work as a journalist and upholding his love.

A Muslim schoolgirl who falls in love with Shekhar, initially shy and cautious. She defies parental pressure to pursue their relationship and travels to Bombay; she marries and raises twins, balancing tradition with new possibilities. Her resilience anchors the family’s hopes for coexistence.

Shaila's father, an orthodox patriarch who resists the union due to religious differences. He engages in tense exchanges with Shekhar’s family and embodies the challenges of maintaining tradition. His eventual presence within the broader family signifies a reluctant, evolving acceptance.

Shekhar's elder father, initially angered by the interfaith match and the disruption to family norms. He represents rooted tradition, yet his role evolves as he witnesses the consequences of communal strife. His arrival to Bombay later in the story helps anchor the family’s reconciliation.

The twin son raised across two religions, embodying curiosity and adaptability. He experiences the strain of growing up in a mixed-faith environment and is separated from his brother during the riots. His journey reflects resilience and the cross-cultural upbringing of the family.

The twin boy who endures separation from his brother amid the chaos. He is cared for by a transgender woman and continues to navigate life within a shared Hindu-Muslim upbringing. His story intersects with the search for family and belonging in a divided city.