CHAPTER 51
Summary
- Chapter 51, titled "The Willingness to Be Wounded," is set in 1950 amid a series of deaths. Big Ammachi and Uplift Master visit the Thetanatt house in somber clothing. The household icon, Chandy, is now lying in a coffin instead of filling the room with his flamboyant laughter as he had done in their last visit.
- Big Ammachi finds herself thinking about numerous funerals she has to attend recently, and many tragic losses, which include Baby Ninan, Odat Kochamma, Shamuel’s wife. She indulges in a bit of blasphemy in her desperation.
- Upon her arrival, she meets a depression-ridden Elsie who desperately clings to her. Big Ammachi figures out that Elsie, now so thin and looking older with white hair, had been going through a lot since she last saw her 6 months ago.
- During Chandy's burial, Uplift Master suggests they should leave to return home, but Elsie didn't want Big Ammachi to go. Big Ammachi had to go back taking care of Baby Mol, but she wishes Elsie to return home with her.
- Big Ammachi has a deeper understanding of life as she returns home, realizing that life is precious as it is brief, and it's a gift from God.
- Upon return to Parambil, Big Ammachi is confronted with the reality of her guilt-ridden son, Philipose, who has become an opium eater, and worsening condition of Baby Mol, who is starving herself due to Elsie's absence.
- Big Ammachi writes several letters to Elsie pleading her to visit Baby Mol who is dying from starvation and sorrow due to Elsie's absence. The letters, however, go unanswered.
- Finally, upon Big Ammachi's desperate plea mentioning Baby Mol's condition, Elsie visits. Philipose, shocked at the sight of his wife after a year, stutters as they exchange words.
- Upon Elsie's arrival, Baby Mol lights up as Elsie scoops her up in her arms and gets reunited with Big Ammachi. Philipose looks on with joy as he sees the most important women in his life gathered in the kitchen.