CHAPTER 46

Summary

• The chapter opens in 1945, near the end of World War II, with the impending demobilization of millions of Indian soldiers who fought alongside the British.
• Indian soldiers, previously denied officer posts by the British during the Great War because of fears of future rebellion, are now returning as decorated officers unwilling to do without freedom.
• The groom-to-be, Philipose, attentively follows the war progress and its impact on Indian soldiers. Despite this, Philipose feels that the ongoing transition to peace and hope for imminent freedom is connected to his own good fortune.
• Philipose marries Elsie in the church where his grandmother was married. The couple are met with admiration and acclaim as they arrive at their wedding ceremony, notably, Elsie becomes possibly the first bride to marry in a sari in their church.
• The celebration after the wedding is joyous, and Elsie & Philipose are received by a line of guests, including white couples.
• Shamuel, a significant figure in Philipose's life, is present but refuses to enter the church, instead watching from outside. Philipose introduces Elsie to Shamuel, who, despite an initial refusal, eventually blesses them.
• Philipose and Elsie finally get some alone time on the wedding night. Elsie had mentioned in their letters beforehand to keep his war map as is, wanting to be introduced to his true self.
• The couple consummate their marriage with a feeling of shared uncertainty and clumsiness enhancing the intimacy. They fall asleep afterward, feeling completed in each other’s arms.
• When they wake up, the room is full of the morning light. Philipose expresses his wish to fulfill any desire Elsie may have. Smiling, Elsie points at the tree outside and wishes for it to be cut down to allow more light into their room, a moment of hesitation for Philipose as the tree holds many personal memories for him.