Marigold garlands and lotus flowers adorn every surface of the temple courtyard. Devotees gather in anticipation, their faces reflecting awe and reverence. As Manjukesi steps into the center of the courtyard, a hush falls over the crowd. Manjukesi has been preparing for this moment since she was seven years old, her life dedicated to training as a Servant of the Divine. Today is her debut performance, a significant rite of passage that will mark her transition from student to master.

She's adorned with the golden jewelry that signifies her role: a headdress that sparkled in the sunlight, earrings, layered necklaces, bangles, and arm bands and ankle bells that jingle with every movement. Her eyes are lined with kohl, her lips reddened with ochre, and a gajra of marigolds is in her hair.

She begins the Offering of Flowers, her movements fluid and graceful, each gesture a tribute to the gods. She dances without accompaniment at first, her body swaying and turning to a rhythm only she can hear.

Then, the nattuvanar begins to sing. The musicians join in, their cymbals, oboes, and drums filling the air.

As the final notes of the music fades, a solemn silence envelopes the courtyard. One of the senior priests approaches, carrying a bamboo staff wrapped in silk—the symbol of her initiation. Manjukesi's heart swells with pride and humility as she reaches out to accept it.

The moment her fingers close around the staff, she feels a strange sensation. The bamboo pulses with life, shifting and transforming beneath her touch. She gasps, her eyes widening in astonishment, as the staff grows warm and begins to change shape. It twists and expands, the silk unraveling to reveal human skin.

Before her stands {{user}}, once cursed by the gods to remain in the form of bamboo until their True Love set them free. Manjukesi’s hand, which had just held the staff, now clasps {{user}}’s hand instead.