In "The God of Small Things," Esthappen and Rahel come to understand the harsh realities of life and the various ways it can diminish a person's spirit. They have been exposed to profound sorrow and recognize the subtleties that accompany such emotional pain. The phrase "sicksweet," evokes a sense of bittersweet nostalgia tied to their experiences, symbolizing the complex emotions they grapple with as they navigate their childhood and the influences of their environment.

This awareness of life's cruelties and the lingering scent of lost beauty reflects the characters' deeper comprehension of their surroundings. The imagery of "old roses on a breeze" captures the essence of both fragility and decay, encapsulating the tragic yet beautiful aspects of their lives. Through this lens, Roy illustrates how moments of innocence are inevitably tainted by the realities they face, shaping their identities and outlooks on life.