Character Profile #5: Arjun Rastikar

After his father, Amin, dies of a brain tumor, Arjun (pronounced Ar-JOON) steps into the role of Rastikar family head and Preen’s guardian. Though the Rastikar family is progressive, Arjun submits to ancient Tur tradition and has his canine teeth pulled, to prove how committed he is to his responsibility as firstborn son.

When his teenage sister, Preen, reveals that she is pregnant, Arjun puts his life on hold in an attempt to give her a fresh start in a new place—Sevia’s capital city. The timing of the move couldn’t have been worse, as war between Sevian majority and Tur minority is brewing all around them, but Arjun remains steadfast, determined to help his little sister find her feet again.

While living in Dor, Arjun works as a waiter at Oksana’s, Boris’s cafe. His reddish hair, somewhat unusual for a Tur, make him stand out less in the Sevian-dominated capital than other Tur might, but working illegally in a hostile city takes its toll. It’s a dark time for him, but the one bright spot is his budding relationship with Anna’s friend, Sufya.