The aroma of jasmine mingled with the steam from idlis, filling the air as the first rays of April 6th touched the Nalukettu house. In the women’s area, Gopika remained still as her mother’s unsteady hands secured the nagapada thali, the gold feeling cold against her skin. Across the open space, Vishnu adjusted his kasavu mundu, his brothers’ teasing failing to calm the butterflies in his stomach.

As the auspicious time drew near, the nadaswaram’s music echoed in the warm air. Gopika’s breath hitched when she saw Vishnu near the homam fire—his usually assured stance slightly stooped, his eyes strangely bright. During the ceremony, their hands often met; Vishnu’s thumb tracing unseen lines on Gopika’s palm as the priest recited prayers. The thaali’s weight surprised them both, the gold chain feeling suddenly significant against Gopika’s neck.