Rakha is Bakha’s younger brother and Lakha’s middle child. Though Rakha also works as a sweeper, he is less motivated than Bakha either to complete his tasks or to escape the punishing caste system; unlike Bakha, Rakha is “a true child of the outcaste colony,” appearing to be at home in the darkness and muck. Rakha and Bakha are friends, but Rakha is constantly tattling on Bakha to their father. As the narrative progresses, Bakha becomes increasingly frustrated by Rakha’s willingness to accept soggy leftovers and poor working condition, as it seems to perpetuate the stereotypes higher-caste people have about sweepers.