Summary

Part two begins with Nathan and Rukmani’s departure for the home of their son, Murugan, whom they have not seen in many years. Acting on blind faith to guide them to him, they set out on a bullock cart carrying hides from the tannery for which they paid for passage. Traveling for several days, they are set on the road 15 miles from the city and must make their way on foot. Tired and hungry, and feeling the oldness in their bones they continue walking until they finally reach the city and decide to rest for a moment on a quiet side street. Realizing it has gotten too late to continue looking for their son, they are told of a temple where there is a free meal and place to sleep by a beggar walking by them. Following in the direction he points them, they...