What is the significance of the perfume Rae gives Sammar in the novel, The Translator?

The perfume Rae gives to Sammar after the holidays, symbolizes hope. Though Rae and Sammar know that their differing religious beliefs preclude their romantic entanglement, they still want to be together. Rae respects Sammar, but uses the perfume to communicate his true feelings to her. Even after the two separate, Sammar keeps the perfume. Retaining the unopened bottle, illustrates her continued hope that she and Rae will someday be together.