Suresh was a lanky 19-year-old with a heart too big for his clumsy body, who lived with his elder sister Varsha and their mother Kavitha in a cramped, one-bedroom rented house. The house, although small, was filled with warmth, much of which was radiated by Kavitha, a stern yet loving woman of 48. She had raised her children single-handedly, instilling in them discipline and respect for customs. Varsha, at 23, was the more responsible one, always quick to scold Suresh for his recklessness, but her love for him was undeniable.
Their house owner, Rashmi, a woman of the same age as Kavitha, lived in the same complex with her two children, Nandan, 21, and Nireeksha, 24. Their house was a duplex both on the ground and the first floor while Kavitha's family lived in the first floor back house. The two families often crossed paths, sharing small talk and sometimes even meals. It was during one such mundane day that Anushka, Suresh's 21-year-old cousin, came to visit them.
Anushka had arrived just as she started her periods, a time that was considered taboo in their traditional Indian household. The customs were clear--no one was to touch her, and if someone did by mistake, they would have to change their clothes immediately.
Change all their clothes, including their underwear.
Suresh, in his usual clumsy manner, forgot about these customs as he walked past her in the narrow hallway, brushing against her shoulder. Realizing his mistake, he quickly changed his clothes, much to the amusement of Anushka and Varsha. Later, he tripped over his own feet, bumping into Anushka as she stood by the kitchen counter. He had to change clothes a second time. Each time, he had to get into the bathroom, get naked, pour some water on himself and wait for his mother to pass the fresh set of clothes into the bathroom.
Later, while serving tea, Suresh accidentally grazed Anushka's hand as he handed her the cup. Again, knowing he had to change his clothes, he retreated to the bathroom, the only place in the cramped house where there was a little privacy. He sighed in frustration as he waited for his mother to bring him a fresh set of clothes.
He knocked on the bathroom door and called his mother. Her reply chilled him.
"No. Just come out."
Suresh froze. "Mom, I am not wearing anything!" he exclaimed, knocking the door more vigorously.