On the very day Manjamma had planned to return, she felt the urge to visit the Hulige temple once more. While walking near the temple portal, she paused in pleasant surprise. A relative of hers rushed to greet her excitedly. The man was married to Manjamma’s cousin sister, and she had known him as an “uncle” since childhood. They exchanged pleasantries, and Manjamma sensed that he held no prejudice against transgender people. He was also sensitive enough not to broach topics that might cause her distress or insult. This meant a great deal to Manjamma, and she immediately felt at ease with him.
After some pleasant conversation, he invited her to his house in Chilakanakatte village of Bellary district. Manjamma saw this as an opportunity to escape her pointless drudgery in Davangere. Initially, she tried to refuse, using work as an excuse. This did not work, and he insisted she be his guest, at least for a short while. She eventually conceded and went with him to Chilakanakatte, though she had no idea how she would spend her time there. She was, however, excited to visit a new place and experience a different milieu and routine. But, after a couple of days…
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