"The deepest pain is not in the body, but in those we love."
This chapter centers around the raw emotional struggle between Aranya and her mother. Jaya begs her not to go through with it. She shows her old dance videos, holds her tightly at night, and even sleeps beside her on the hospital bed.
But Aranya's condition worsens. She's unable to eat solid food. Her fingers can't hold a spoon. Her breathing becomes erratic. The pain medication keeps increasing—but so does the suffering.
In a heavy moment, Aranya says, "Amma, you're holding on to my body… not to me."
Jaya breaks down. Her walls collapse. Her strength fades—but her love remains.