With Philipose away, Parambil sags into disarray. Shamuel injures his ankle falling from a palm, Uplift Master drinks nightly, and Decency Kochamma breaks her wrist and blames Dolly Kochamma. In the cobwebbed cellar, Big Ammachi confronts the graying ghost and concludes it is lonely, pausing to speak with it. She and the household keenly miss Philipose’s nightly readings and his plays, memories that even drive Odat Kochamma to briefly visit her son’s home.

News then jolts the house: a headline reports a Japanese bombing of Madras and a panicked exodus. Big Ammachi fears for Philipose, but a bullock cart soon delivers him home, thinner and gaunt. They embrace in relief. Only then does Philipose learn of the bombing when Big Ammachi presses the newspaper on him.

That night, over jeera water, Philipose confesses he was dismissed from college after worsening hearing led to humiliations and missed roll call. Big Ammachi consoles him and blesses a new path. He proudly unveils trunks of books and a newly purchased radio, explaining how it can bring the world to Parambil; she approves and shares his quiet excitement.

Philipose then recounts meeting Elsie, Chandy’s daughter, on the train and shows her portrait. He tells Big Ammachi he intends to marry Elsie one day despite his deafness and the family Condition; she cautions discretion, and he confirms he said nothing to Elsie. After she leaves, Philipose lies awake envisioning Elsie thinking of him too, and he drifts into peaceful sleep in his own bed.