The relationship between Mr. Pirzada and Lilia is an interesting one. Mr. Pirzada is very kind and affectionate towards Lilia. Lilia, on the other hand, has mixed feelings towards Mr. Pirzada during the beginning of the story, but comes to love him by the end. Candy plays in important role in their relationship.
At the beginning of the story, Lilia describes her first impressions of Mr. Pirzada, saying that she "was charmed by the presence of Mr. Pirzada's rotund elegance, and flattered by the faint theatricality of his attestations, yet unsettled by the superb ease of his gestures, which made [her] feel, for an instant, like a stranger in [her] own home" (29). Lilia seems to like Mr. Pirzada, but at the same time doesn't quite feel comfortable with him yet.
Mr. Pirzada is fond of Lilia right from the beginning of the story. He brings her the chocolate because he believes that she "incapable of spoiling" (29). The way I read it, he almost seems like an uncle, in some ways. He gives Lilia chocolate and expects nothing in return, not even a "thank you," he carves the jack-o'-lantern with her, and offers to watch over her while she goes trick-or-treating.
Mr. Pirzada's candies always have a special meaning to Lilia, as even before she learns about his family, she keeps the treats in a nice box and treats them like jewels. I think she realizes that Mr. Pirzada cares about her, so she should be thankful for his gifts.
After Lilia learns about Mr. Pirzada's family, the candies take on a deeper meaning. For the first time in her life, Lilia actually prays. After praying for the well-being of Mr. Pirzadah's family for a few nights, Lilia finally has the courage to comfort Mr. Pirzada in person and tells him not to worry. The candy helps her realize that she cares about him and his family.
