CHAPTER 25

Summary

• The chapter is set in 1923, in Parambil, and follows a woman who, at the age of 35, finds she is pregnant once more despite multiple miscarriages.
• Her husband, who deeply wants a son to inherit his land, seems anxious about the pregnancy, but the woman is filled with a peaceful confidence that this pregnancy will be successful.
• This peace is shattered when her husband's health deteriorates; he suffers a series of crippling headaches, evidenced by frequent vomiting, following which he becomes partially paralysed on his left side and completely deaf in his left ear.
• After giving birth to their son, Philipose, she also looks after her deteriorating husband, who begins digging in the ground for reasons unknown, often loses track of who she is and even misidentifies their loyal elephant, Damodaran, as a stranger.
• The woman ends up raising their son and taking care of their upset daughter while also managing her husband's ailments. The situation takes a toll on both the woman and Shamuel, a devoted worker, who has been at her husband's side for many years.
• The husband passes away one night while the woman is asleep. His death sees a pouring out of respect from their community, demonstrating the profound impact he had during his life.
• He seems restless even after his death, with the woman experiencing sounds of digging and scratching in the courtyard. Speaking to his spirit, she forgives him for his actions before his death and asks him to be at peace, which is followed by his silence, showing his acceptance of her words.