The Space Between Us

The Bombay seaside is a recurring symbol throughout the book. Bombay is a city of extreme wealth and impoverishment. It is the financial capital of India and home to some of its richest citizens, from businesspeople to film stars. Bombay (current Mumbai) also houses one of the world’s largest slums, Dharavi. This range of extremes makes allows Umrigar to culturally contextualize the divides between Bhima and Sera. Despite their deep differences, both women frequent the Bombay (current Mumbai) seaside for chaat, Bombay’s famous street food.

The seaside symbolizes joy and healing as it bridges the economic divide of the city. Some of Bhima’s happiest memories are of visiting the seaside with Gopal, when their children were young. Bhima begins visiting the seaside again to cheer Maya up after the abortion. Bhima only tells the most painful stories of her past along the seaside. Retelling and sharing these experiences with Maya allows Bhima to heal and process some of the hurt. For Maya, the seaside is where truth is revealed, both about her family’s past and the truth of her pregnancy.

Bhima returns to the seaside after she is dismissed from Sera’s household. She feels drawn to the sea and seeks solace in its waves.