Summary

In Chapter 1, Kali takes care of the portia tree he planted outside his mother-in-law's house shortly after he and Ponna married. His mother-in-law Nallayi and brother-in-law Muthu have teased him for 12 years about how much he loves the tree.

In Chapter 2, Ponna makes Kali food while he naps at her mother's home, where they are visiting for the feast. Kali has always been known to be lazy. Ponna is sad thinking of how old the tree is, and how long she and Kali have been married without being able to conceive. Watching Ponna, desire fills Kali. Sex, however, has become less enjoyable, since he and his wife have not been able to have a child. Their families have even begun suggesting Kali marry again. Men begin making advances on Ponna, calling Kali impotent.

In Chapter 3, during sex Ponna asks Kali if he is...