In 1946, Elsie goes into sudden, premature labor while Philipose is away. Big Ammachi and Odat Kochamma deliver a tiny, blue son into Big Ammachi’s palm. Odat Kochamma whispers a profession of faith at the infant’s ear and administers honey with a fleck of gold. Elsie holds the baby to her chest, and the family begins vigilant skin-to-skin care, feeding colostrum by fingertip through the night.

Over weeks, Baby Ninan’s color and breathing improve; at ten weeks he begins to latch and finally rests in Philipose’s arms. The crisis draws Philipose and Elsie closer, renewing their tenderness. As Ninan grows, he is fearless and obsessed with climbing. Water poured over his head disorients him, and Big Ammachi confirms he has inherited the Water Condition, showing Elsie the family genealogy and cautioning vigilance around water.

On the night of independence in 1947, the family listens to Nehru’s speech and notes how Kerala remains largely peaceful amid northern horrors. Nearly two years later, Elsie’s Portrait of Lizzi is accepted for a Madras exhibition; she submits under “E. Thetanatt.” She proposes they attend, but Philipose, panicked by memories of humiliation in Madras, refuses. The painting wins the gold medal and another portrait earns honorable mention, with several works sold.

Ninan becomes a beloved visitor across Parambil and continues scaling heights. Elsie then falls ill with a prolonged typhoid fever. Philipose nurses her devotedly, discovering their relationship steadier when she leans on him. As she recovers, her glance toward the window prompts Philipose to promise—again—to remove the light-blocking plavu.

In June 1949, with tempers frayed before the monsoon, Philipose orders Shamuel to cut the jackfruit tree. The pulayar crew removes fruit and amputates branches close to the trunk, leaving a stark, spiked column that Joppan derides. Philipose regrets the compromise. A shift in the sky heralds the long-awaited southwest monsoon; rain lashes the land as Philipose contemplates the covenant of water he will never enter. The family gathers while Baby Mol, dressed for the occasion, performs her earthy mohiniyattam, and the downpour seals their sense of renewal and safety.