“My five years' old daughter Mini cannot live without chattering. I really believe that in all her life she has not wasted a minute in silence. Her mother is often vexed at this, and would stop her prattle, but I would not.”

This event in "Cabuliwallah" establishes Mini's character as a lively and talkative child while also highlighting the contrasting parenting styles of her mother and father. Mini's incessant chatter symbolizes of her innocence. Moreover, the narrator's tolerance for Mini's talkativeness showcases his deep affection for his daughter, establishing the emotional depth of their relationship.

“He wore the loose, soiled clothing of his people, with a tall turban; there was a bag on his back, and he carried boxes of grapes in his hand.”

Rahmun's distinctive attire emphasizes his foreign origin as a Cabuliwallah. This description immediately sets him apart from the local Bengali population and highlights cultural contrast. The presence of a bag on his back and boxes of grapes in his hand signifies his role as a peddler, a profession that becomes central to his interactions with other characters in the narrative.

“I saw my daughter sitting on a bench in front of the door, nattering unrestrainedly; and the Cabuliwallah was sitting at her feet, listening—grinning broadly, and from time to time making comments in his hybrid sort of Bengali.”

This represents a turning point in the story as it illustrates the transformation in Mini and Rahmun's relationship. Mini, who was initially frightened by the Cabuliwallah, is now depicted as comfortably chatting and laughing with him. Her unrestrained chatter signifies her acceptance and trust in the Cabuliwallah, which contrasts with her initial fear. The Cabuliwallah, on the other hand, is portrayed as a patient listener.

“‘Well, little one, and when are you going to the father-in-law's house?’ […] ‘Ah,’ he would say, shaking his fist at an invisible policeman, ‘I will thrash my father-in-law!’”

This interaction symbolizes the innocence of childhood through Mini's genuine curiosity and her lack of awareness regarding the meaning of "father-in-law's house." Her innocent questioning and Rahmun's playful response highlight the purity of a child's perspective and their playful bond.

“Whenever she hears a noise in the street, or sees people coming towards the house, she always jumps to the conclusion that they are either thieves, or drunkards, or snakes, or tigers, or malaria, or cockroaches, or caterpillars.”

Mini's mother's timidity and propensity to jump to fearful conclusions underscores the stark contrast between her personality and Mini's innocent and open nature. Mini’s mother’s constant anxieties and irrational fears represent ingrained prejudices and suspicions, especially towards the people from different backgrounds.

“Time passed away and he was not remembered. The accustomed work in the accustomed place was ours, and the thought of the once free mountaineer spending his years in prison seldom or never occurred to us.”

This narration highlights The Passage of Time and the characters' changing lives and priorities. Rahmun, the Cabuliwallah, who had formed a special bond with Mini and her family, gradually fades into the background as the years go by. This evokes a sense of melancholy and reflects the transient nature of relationships.

“New companions filled her life. As she grew older, she spent more of her time with girls. So much time indeed did she spend with them that she came no more, as she used to do, to her father's room. I was scarcely on speaking terms with her.”

This narration by Mini’s father signifies Mini's transition from childhood to adolescence and emphasizes her growing independence and social circle. Mini's increasing involvement with her female friends reflects the progression of life as she matures and forms her own relationships beyond her immediate family. Her distancing from her father's room symbolizes the emotional gap that emerges between parents and children during adolescence.

“The morning was bright. After the rains, there was a sense of ablution in the air, and the sun-rays looked like pure gold. So bright were they, that they gave a beautiful radiance even to the sordid brick walls of our Calcutta lanes. Since early dawn that day the wedding-pipes had been sounding, and at each beat my own heart throbbed. The wail of the tune, Bhairavi, seemed to intensify my pain at the approaching separation. My Mini was to be married that night. Act as a literary expert and be very specific of the significance of this event.”

This passage encapsulates the contrast between the external world's brightness and the narrator's inner emotional turmoil. The vivid description of the bright morning and the sense of purity in the air symbolize hope and new beginnings. However, this beauty sharply contrasts with the narrator's pain as his daughter, Mini, is about to get married. The wedding-pipes and the tune intensify the emotional turmoil, serving as a poignant soundtrack to the impending separation. This passage emphasizes the bittersweet nature of weddings, where joy and sorrow often intertwine, and highlights the narrator's deep emotional connection with Mini.

“It was Rahmun the Cabuliwallah. At first I did not recognise him. He had no bag, nor the long hair, nor the same vigour that he used to have. But he smiled, and I knew him again.”

This moment marks Rahmun's unexpected return to the narrator's life after a long absence. The narrator's initial failure to recognize him underscores the physical and emotional changes Rahmun has undergone during his time in prison. Rahmun's altered appearance, devoid of his characteristic bag and long hair, symbolizes the transformation and hardships he endured in prison. However, the recognition and the genuine smile shared between them signifies their bond.

"The words struck harsh upon my ears. I had never before talked with one who had wounded his fellow, and my heart shrank within itself when I realized this; for I felt that the day would have been better-omened had he not turned up.”

Mini’s father’s acknowledgement that Rahmun's words "struck harsh" reveals the shock and discomfort he experiences upon learning about Rahmun's criminal act. The juxtaposition of Rahmun's criminal background against the backdrop of the joyful occasion of Mini's wedding creates a sense of conflict and unease. It also underscores the prejudice and societal judgment of individuals based on their past actions without considering the potential for change and redemption.

“At once he turned to go; but as he reached the door he hesitated, and said: ‘May I not see the little one, sir, for a moment?’ It was his belief that Mini was still the same. He had pictured her running to him as she used, calling ‘O Cabuliwallah! Cabuliwallah!’”

This event signifies Rahmun's deep longing and attachment to Mini. His request to see Mini, despite the circumstances and his own hesitation, reflects his genuine affection for the child. Rahmun's expectation that Mini would still recognize and warmly greet him with her familiar words reflects the innocence and purity of their relationship.

“In fact, in memory of former days he had brought, carefully wrapped up in paper, a few almonds and raisins and grapes, obtained somehow from a countryman; for his own little fund was dispersed.”

This event symbolizes Rahmun's enduring affection toward Mini. Despite his financial struggles and hardships, he still brings a small gift of almonds, raisins, and grapes for Mini. This gesture reflects the importance of their relationship in his life. The fact that he wraps these treats carefully in paper suggests a level of reverence and respect for Mini.

“At last he smiled and said: ‘Little one, are you going to your father-in-law's house?’ But Mini now understood the meaning of the word ‘father-in-law,’ and she could not reply to him as of old. She flushed up at the question, and stood before him with her bride-like face turned down.”

Mini, who was once an innocent child, has now grown older and is about to get married. Her understanding of the world, including the meaning of "father-in-law," has evolved. The Cabuliwallah's reaction reflects the emotional impact of this transformation. His inability to revive their old friendship symbolizes the inevitable changes that life brings. Mini's flushed response and her “bride-like” appearance emphasize her transition into adulthood.

“When she had gone, Rahmun heaved a deep sigh, and sat down on the floor. The idea had suddenly come to him that his daughter too must have grown in this long time, and that he would have to make friends with her anew.”

This moment highlights the central theme of The Passage of Time and the changes it brings to people's lives and relationships. Rahmun's deep sigh reflects his sense of loss and longing for the daughter he left behind. His realization that he will need to "make friends with her anew" suggests the challenge of rebuilding relationships after a long absence, ending the story with its characteristic tone of melancholy mixed with hope.