The relationship between the characters

Part of your assignment asks you to focus on the relationship between its two most important characters.

The two characters’ relationship is a developing one. At first, they are strangers who meet in the airport bar while waiting for the same plane to Belfast. However, their attitude to each other suggests they are probably attracted to one another:

…you noticed him earlier, standing by the window out onto the runway, tall and silent (...) Sorry, you’ll say as you lurch into him, and he’ll smile at you and say, in as broad a Belfast accent as any, No worries, you’re grand. (ll. 35-39) 

This is further confirmed by the fact that they make fun of the bartender together and that Nirupam offers to buy the the main character a drink:

…he’ll reach for your vouchers and thrust them, together with his, at the barman who is not amused and you will burst out laughing. The slight acquaintance forged, he will offer to buy you a drink. Say yes. Don’t even say yes, just don’t say no. (ll. 54-56)

However, there is also a moment of tension between them when the main character is surprised Nirupam, an Indian, has a Belfast...