Pival realized too late that Ram saw her as a challenge, someone to be conquered. His behavior destroyed her confidence and joy. Even after he was dead, Pival continued to feel inferior and undeserving, as she would not even ask for her tea to be served the way she liked it.
Bhim was the light of her life. Knowing the truth about him and his life was what called Pival to action. Even though she didn't feel brave, she took the steps she needed- -steps she was unable to take while Ram was alive. She found her own voice with each stop on the trip, so much so that she even became impatient during parts of the tour. There was an urgency in her life that had been missing. The trip gave her the opportunity to be with people who did not belittle her, demand things from her, and who had different ideas. Pival allowed herself to be open- -she listened thoughtfully and observed.
She had planned to end her own life if she learned that Bhim was indeed dead. Her experience in America gave her a new perspective. In some ways she was able to make peace with herself, forgive herself for not being there to support him. This led her to a new relationship with Jake.