Ali's journey is shadowed by the trauma of sexual abuse he suffered as a child in India. This experience permeates his present, impacting his relationships, his sense of self, and his ability to find love and happiness. The novel explores how past trauma can continue to shape our lives, even as we try to move forward.

Ali's pilgrimage to Mount Kailash is driven by a desire to find love and meaning in his life. Disillusioned by his experiences and yearning for connection, he seeks solace and guidance in this spiritual journey. His quest becomes a metaphor for the universal human desire for purpose and peace.

The novel navigates the complexities of faith, sexuality, and cultural identity in a rapidly evolving India. Ali's struggles with his sexuality, set against a backdrop of religious fundamentalism, highlight the challenges faced by those navigating intersecting identities in a world often marked by prejudice and misunderstanding.