In the days following Mariamma’s difficult birth, Elsie regains consciousness but remains extremely weak from hemorrhage. She cannot breastfeed, so Anna Chedethi nurses the infant, which Big Ammachi takes as proof that Anna’s daughter still suckles at night. Only on the fifth day does Big Ammachi bring Mariamma to Elsie, who gazes tenderly yet dissolves into overwhelming sorrow, unable to reach for the child.

Meanwhile, Mariamma’s father, Philipose, secludes himself, emerging only when others sleep, while the household reorganizes around the newborn. Parambil fills with the bustle of infant care; Baby Mol shushes visitors, and Big Ammachi delights in her namesake even as she worries over the parents’ estrangement.

Big Ammachi concentrates on restoring Elsie’s strength, feeding her broth, fish, and meat, and administering the vaidyan’s tonics. Elsie slowly improves, managing short walks and even bathing in the stream. Although she periodically looks in on Mariamma, Elsie never tries to hold her, and Big Ammachi senses an ominous weight settling over the house.

Three weeks after the birth, at dusk, Elsie asks Big Ammachi to prepare sardines steamed in banana leaf with only salt, as on the previous day. She goes to the stream to bathe. Nearly two hours pass before anyone realizes Elsie has not returned, leaving the family gripped by fear and uncertainty.