Quote 19
[…] Gogol is reminded that in all his life he has never witnessed a single moment of physical affection between his parents. Whatever love exists between them is an utterly private, uncelebrated thing. (6.51)
These two are extremely anti-PDA. But does that mean that they love each other any less? Probably not. They're just private people. Their love is just between them, and it's nobody else's business.
Quote 20
And then he remembers that his parents can't possibly reach him: he has not given them the number, and the Ratliffs are unlisted. That here at Maxine's side, in this cloistered wilderness, he is free. (6.140)
Gogol views his romantic relationship as an escape from his past. Come to think of it, it's not clear why else Gogol is attracted to Maxine other than the fact that she is different from him, and different from his family. That's hardly the greatest foundation for a relationship. No wonder it eventually falls apart.
Quote 21
He had not expected to enjoy himself, to be attracted to her in the least. It strikes him that there is no term for what they once were to each other. (8.76)
Gogol unexpectedly enjoys his first date with Moushumi, which breaks the pattern of all of his previous relationships with non-Indian women. Maybe there's something to be said for dating someone who understands his background.