We left the Aswin House when it was lunchtime. The bell rang as we ran through the causeway. Our feet thumped against the stone path that led to another big open-air building. The building had beautiful roofing and wraparound porch.

After climbing up the wooden stairs, we finally entered what they called the Pochani Pavilion. It was where the avatars' meals were served. Several maidens came to welcome us inside. The buzzing noises from chattering people died down the moment I showed up. My presence was still something to be pondering about.

I tried not to make eye contact with anyone in the hall, but my heart still skipped a...