CHAPTER 52

Summary

• In 1950 Parambil, a destructive monsoon hits, resulting in the collapse of the local electrical pole and the creation of a large lake that isolates the area.
• The intense rain causes distress and isolation for the people, including Big Ammachi and her family.
• Elsie, who has returned for a visit, is particularly distressed and spends most of her time pacing the verandah, much to Big Ammachi's concern.
• Philipose notes that Elsie seems desperate to leave, and seems very concerned about the inability to mail a letter due to the drowned post office.
• One night, Philipose finds Elsie sick and suffering outside, and brings her inside to care for her. They have a heart-to-heart where she admits her guilt for leaving the family after their mutual loss.
• Philipose attempts to suggest a fresh start, offering to build a new house or even move, but Elsie does not express agreement or disagreement to his suggestion.
• Following a bike accident in the subsequent days, Philipose becomes more desperate to reconcile with Elsie; he attempts to remind her of their past love and intimacy.
• Philipose and Elsie share a moment of physical intimacy, which Philipose perceives as a moment of forgiveness and reconciliation despite Elsie's evident sorrow and resistance.
• Following this encounter, Elsie leaves Philipose's room in silence, making him realize that she remains a stranger to him despite their shared intimacy.