Nectar in a Sieve

Rukmani and Nathan decide what to take with them or leave with Ira and pack their bags. When the day they depart arrives, they climb onto an ox-driven cart, wave goodbye to the children and grandchild, and leave. It takes several days to reach the city where Murugan lives, and they do not know where to go when they arrive. They get directions but need to stay overnight at a temple, where they get a small serving of food that they have to share because Nathan is farther back in the crowd and does not get a portion. When they return to their bags afterward, they cannot find them; someone stole their belongings. Despite their losses, Nathan rests contentedly while Rukmani struggles to sleep because of nightmares.

Rukmani and Nathan need help finding their son, but whenever they ask someone if they know where Koil Street is—where he supposedly works—the person sends them in a different direction. They find a group of hungry children when they rest for a few minutes. The group leader, Puli, offers to take them to the doctor where Murugan works in exchange for help at a later date.