Leela felt the tears threaten to spill over as she performed the bidai, the moment of departure from her parental home a stark reminder of the life she was leaving behind.

She clung to her mother, her sobs echoing in the stillness of the night her voice muffled by her mother's sari. Her mother murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "take care of yourself" With a final, lingering embrace, she helped Leela into the cart that would take her to her husband's village.