The Namesake - An Old Family Friend

        After distancing himself from his parents, Gogol is really affected when he finds out about his father's unexpected death. He immediately sets out for the hospital to identify his body and to clear out his apartment. Due to his father's death, "he knows now the guilt that his parents carried inside, at being able to do nothing when their parents had died in India, of arriving weeks, sometimes months later, when there was nothing left to do." (Lahiri 179). Gogol is filled with guilt because now that his father is dead, he can't do anything to make up for the lost time. All that he has left are memories.  He is so conflicted with his emotions that even Maxine's presence becomes an annoyance and he ends up pushing her away. When Maxine pays her respects to his family for their loss, Gogol is "aware that his father's death does not affect Maxine in the least."(182) Even though Maxine is just trying to support him during this troubled time, he is bothered because she is incapable of understanding the pain he is going through.
        Fortunately for Gogol, Moushumi, an old family friend comes back into his life. At first, Gogol is not too excited to see her since his mother was the one to encourage him to do so. He doesn't remember much about her except that she always carried a book with her and that they never really talked. During their first encounter, Gogol is intrigued that, "This is the first time he's been out with a woman who'd once known him by that other name."(193) Gogol soon becomes interested in her because he likes the fact that she is not a complete stranger. Since they are both American born with Bengali parents, it is no surprise that they click instantaneously. They understand each other because as kids they were both forced to practice their Indian traditions. Although they each promised themselves that they would never marry a Bengali, it is clear that they are meant for each  other.