The sun slowly shone brightly as everyone in the town gathered near Sarpanch's house, abandoning their daily routine and work. The terror in their faces dominated the sunlight as they anxiously waited for the Sarpanch to come out.

Devi and Nandan caught a glimpse of the man from last night as he stood waiting, trembling with fear. They were glad that they succeeded in provoking fear in him and others. Devi's handwritten notes were read by everybody by morning, the sole reason for the village to gather.

Sarpanch Gangadhar came out in his white clad attire, his face with vibhuti patta and kumkum glowed in the morning rays of the sun as he reassured the crowd to solve this matter.

The whole crowd marched to the ancient Banyan tree, where the Panchayat meetings usually occur. Gangadhar, along with other elders of Ramanthapuram, sat on the elevated area to discuss the pressing issue.

Devi's father returned early that morning, he was perplexed after reading the note.

Gauri's father and an old couple were the first ones to describe the problem. Gauri's fiancée agreed and narrated last night's incident. Nandan slowly hid behind the crowd, cautious not to show himself.

The elders heard everyone's plea and decided to investigate further. They asked them to continue with the wedding preparations and promised to take care of the ghost. Assured them that offerings will be made to the village deity to protect them from demons.

Devi and Nandan looked at each other baffled at the decision of the Sarpanch.

Ms. Lekha, the teacher at the school, observed everything and decided to voice her concern.

"Sarpanch sir, I understand your concern and effort, but don't you think the ghost was right?"

The crowd started murmuring and stared at Lekha as a lost case.

"What do you mean, Ms. Lekha?" Asked Gangadhar, surprised at her question.

"I meant to say that the ghost was right in asking for freedom for the girls to make decisions for themselves," replied Lekha.

"Don't we as parents, brothers, and husbands do our best in deciding the well-being of our daughters, sisters, and wives?" Asked the Sarpanch.

"Sir, we live on the land where women marched on the streets for freedom. They fought with the enemies, skilfully wielding a sword. They've ruled the country, making decisions for the well-being of the whole population. But still, some don't have the freedom to achieve or to make a decision for themselves. What about your family, sir? Your wife is writing a book; your daughter is studying abroad. They made these decisions by themselves. If they can fly and reach the heights, why can't others? I'm sure those letters are written by a poor girl who was forced to marry a wealthy scoundrel," stated Lekha as she eyed Gauri's fiancée, who hid his face in shame.

"Ahem... so you think marriage is a hindrance?" Asked one of the elders.

"Absolutely not, sir! Marriage is not a hindrance if they are married into supportive households. Lucky are those who are like me, but unfortunately many are tortured, harassed, and killed for dowry. Young girls are seen as machines and maids, not as their equals, even as fellow humans. If all are equal in front of God, who are we to differentiate?"

Devi at once glanced at Lekha as her inner child healed by her statement. When she was a child, Devi asked her mother the same question as to why there's discrimination between each other if all are equal in front of the almighty. Her mother gave her a small smile and continued her chores as her question remained unanswered.

She smiled heartily at Ms. Lekha, forgetting about the issue. Nandan worried about the future and prayed to God to help him overcome this mess and not get caught.

The elders and Sarpanch thought for a while and declared that girls should not be forced to marry and no one shall demand a dowry. They have the equal right to study and achieve. If any problem arises or if they are forced, the Panchayat will support them and is always there on the justice side. And as for the ghost, the Sarpanch ordered the ones who received the notes to postpone the wedding for three months while they investigate the matter.

Nandan was relieved and delighted as he got some time to convince.

Some agreed, while some disagreed with the decision of the Sarpanch. After all, nothing changes overnight, but if someone who has the power takes a step towards change, it will have the greatest impact.

Everyone returned back to their chores. Nandan came to meet Devi's father to convince him. He was successful in persuading him to allow Devi to study further and to pursue her interest in arts. He told the truth and pleaded to forgive him. He promised to find a suitable groom for Devi and will pay back the money that has been spent for the preparations. Devi's father asked whether his father knew about this. Nandan asked for some time and swore to break the news to his father soon.

"I'll think about it, Nandan. Did my child do anything wrong? If that's the reason you're cancelling the wedding, please forgive her," said her father, holding Nandan's hands as tears fell from his eyes.

Nandan's heart shattered into pieces seeing her father breakdown in front of him.

"I'm sorry, uncle. I am really ashamed of myself to play with your feelings. I love someone else, uncle. Rani is the most courageous, brave, and amazing girl I have ever met. I see her as my sister. As promised, I will find her a much better person than me. She deserves the best. I'm sorry, uncle," apologised Nandan, clutching Devi's father's hands with a remorseful expression.

Devi's father nodded and went to the field to distract himself with work.

Nandan took a step towards Devi's room to bid his goodbyes.