There is a theme of unrequited love in Midnight’s Children. Considering the chapter is titled “Love in Bombay” it’s ironic that the “love” shown is the opposite of what we as readers would be expecting. There is actually an absence of love in this chapter and most of what occurred is rather violent. Saleem’s love for instance remains unrequited and Evie pushes him into the crowd of marchers to “get rid of him.” The image of her and the bloody knife indicates this child perhaps has a violence streak. Evie’s affections for Sonny aren’t returned either nor are Padma’s for Saleem. Padma meant well but even her well meaning attempt to help  Saleem ends in a form of violence. This theme of unrequited love indicates an actual absence of love in a world so full of violence.