One day, she impulsively decides to see Annaiah again, now that Chenni is dead and she has no competition. Maybe he will explain to me why I should not touch Parvati’s garland. Maybe he will give me a garland of my own. At least, maybe this time he will look at me and grant me my wish, garland or no garland, she thinks. Just as dawn is breaking, she enters the temple grounds. Annaiah is already up and sweeping out the temple. He nods at her and continues sweeping. She patiently waits at the entrance for him to finish. Annaiah puts away the broom in one corner of the temple and comes out. Quietly, the two make their way to the sprawling banyan tree near the wall and sit down.

The sun rises reddish-gold. Annaiah looks peaceful. Thimmakka watches him tenderly, excitement and tension making her jumpy. She hesitantly puts out her hand to cover Annaiah’s. He gently frees his hands and moves away a little.

‘Why?’ she demands.

Annaiah shakes his head in infinite sadness. ‘It is not to be between you and me. It never was. You have ruined your life and yourself because of this stupid thought that you are attracted to me.’

‘Is it still Chenni?’ Thimmakka asks through clenched teeth.

‘It never was Chenni. That is just your imagination. All she wanted was a daughter and she prayed to get one, that’s all.’

Thimmakka looks at him intently. There is no need for him to lie. Is that all there was? What about all those cosy conversations in the temple?

Annaiah continues, ‘You needn’t have let your stupid jealousy over a useless old man spoil your relationship with her. And killing her, leaving poor little Parvati motherless, is very cruel of you.’

So much concern for newborn Parvati! But none at all for her. Oh, why did he have no feelings for her?

‘You are not old and useless. I need you. Give me a place in your heart. You promised me. I have no one else but you.’

‘Oh, Thimmakka. You always have a place in my heart, but like my daughter, like my granddaughter. I can never see you in any other light. Go back to Ramappa. He used to be crazy about you. I hope you have not completely lost him. Thinking that you are in love with me has become a habit with you. You don’t know what you feel. You do love me, but not as a man. Go to him before it’s too late.’

Thimmakka looks at him. ‘Annaiah, I want you. I desire you. Don’t you understand? I need you. You’ve been there for everyone else. Why not me?’

‘You can’t force these things, Thimmakka.’ Annaiah sighs.