Deepa is a timid woman in her fifties. When the lockdown is declared, she is visiting her son, Avinash. He moved to the old house when he got married. Deepa lived here thirty years ago. It makes her uneasy that the old house got renovated. She has come to visit the family doctor for knee surgery, but can not get an appointment with the pandemic. Advised to rest, but with nothing much to do, she feels stuck. Being unable to sleep and having to stay here is making her restless.
Coming back to the old house comes with a cost. She is reluctant to face her old neighbour Lata, who still lives all by herself. Avinash and his wife Kirti share a sweet bond with Lata. When the young couple invites Lata for breakfast, Deepa is full of mixed emotions. There is even some excitement in an otherwise restless mind. But when Lata comes and refuses to stay for breakfast, she is left feeling rejected. They were very close once.
There is nowhere Deepa can go to escape this. Kirti comes to comfort her. They talk about Lata. When Deepa was married to this house, she didn’t know how to cook. She would frequently visit Lata’s mother, who would teach her how to cook. While Deepa learnt how to make Rasam, Lata was a queen of her own world, dancing from room to room, singing beautifully. They spent a lot of time together. Deepa loved her voice, while Lata loved the Rasam she would make.
The fact that Lata did not acknowledge her, troubles Deepa. Why did she not stay? Deepa wished to talk to her again; sit with her. Overwhelmed with emotions, the only way Deepa could channel her restlessness is by making the Rasam, once again.
Closeted, Nostalgia, Quarantined, Rasam, Stuck
