*The narrative follows Anitha, a young woman returning to her ancestral village after a decade in the city. She discovers a crumbling, leaf‑strewn garden—*the mula (root) of her mother’s life— where stories, secrets, and the scent of jasmine linger. Through flashbacks, letters, and whispered folk songs, the reader gradually learns about her mother’s sacrifice, the hidden love affairs that shaped the family, and the lingering impact of societal expectations on women’s choices.