In this story, Mr. Kapasi is trapped in a loveless marriage. Moreover, he is unhappy with how his life turned out to be, and is frustrated with his lack of achievements in life. When he meets Mrs. Das, he believes that he has found a potential companion in his loneliness.
Mr. Kapasi wonders in this way when he thinks about the marriage of the Dases. He wonders is Mrs. Das is also in a loveless marriage, and whether she too feels that she shares nothing with her husband besides time and the children. This sentiment expresses the idea that marriage is not always a recipe for companionship. It also conveys the view that marriage, and even daily interaction, does not necessarily lead to intimacy or understanding.