CHAPTER 45

Summary

• The chapter describes a scene set in Parambil in 1944, where a marriage broker named Aniyan is in a meeting about arranging a marriage between Philipose and a woman named Elsie, whom Philipose met on a train.
• Although Aniyan suggests skipping the traditional "viewing of the bride" (pennu kaanal) as Philipose has already met Elsie, Philipose insists on going through the procedure.
• Aniyan successfully negotiates with Elsie's family, but faces resistance when Philipose declares his intention to speak privately with Elsie before their engagement. Eventually, Aniyan acquiesces.
• During the pennu kaanal, Philipose is intensely scrutinized by the elders of Elsie's family but manages to hold a private conversation with Elsie, in English, to ensure their privacy.
• Philipose explains to Elsie why he wants to marry her and checks if she is agreeable, seeking her consent so as not to impose the marriage on her.
• Elsie opens about her ambition to be an artist and her concern that marriage might hinder her dreams. However, she notes that she chose Philipose believing he would support her ambition.
• Philipose assures Elsie that he would support her pursuit of art and wants to marry her, not just for the sake of getting married.
• The chapter ends on Philipose feeling euphoric upon realizing that he has found a partner who aligns with his way of seeing the world.