16 Vayathinile

Mayil, a 16-year-old schoolgirl, lives with her mother Guruvammal in a village. Guruvammal also shelters a limping orphan called Chappani, who is scorned by the villagers. Mayil nurtures an ambition to become a teacher and hopes to marry a sophisticated, educated man.

Chappani, the limping orphan, harbors a deep affection for Mayil, though she does not return his feelings. He stays by her side, hoping for a chance she might notice him as more than a helper. The villagers' scorn for him adds to the tension of village life.

Sathyajith, an urban veterinarian, arrives in the village and immediately falls in love with Mayil. Mayil returns his feelings and even declines a teacher-training course in Madras to stay with him. He dreams of a casual relationship rather than a marriage, foreshadowing trouble ahead.

Despite Mayil's love for him, Sathyajith travels to his native place to marry another woman, insisting the relationship with Mayil was not intended to be serious. Mayil begs him not to leave, but he clarifies that he befriended her for pleasure, not for marriage. The heartbreak marks the first fracture in Mayil's dreams.

Mayil confesses the relationship to her mother Guruvammal, who quickly begins to arrange a betrothal to another man to protect the family from scandal. The pressure of social judgement mounts as the idea of an engagement takes shape. Guruvammal's protective instincts set the plan in motion.

Parattaiyan, a village ruffian who lusts after Mayil, spreads rumours about her relationship with Sathyajith. The whispers fuel fear and shame, and Mayil's engagement plans stall as the village grows openly hostile toward her. The social pressure intensifies for Mayil and her mother.

Unable to bear the gossip and pressure, Guruvammal dies, and the care of Mayil passes to Chappani. Chappani begins stepping up, trying to support Mayil as she grapples with dishonor and loneliness. The loss shifts the balance of power in their small world.

Chappani becomes more confident under Mayil's guidance, and Mayil starts treating him with newfound respect. She even tells him to slap anyone who calls him Chappani and to answer to his real name, Gopalakrishnan. Their bond deepens as Mayil helps him mature and defend his dignity.

Parattaiyan beats Gopalakrishnan after feeling challenged by his new courage. Mayil intervenes, saving him and retaliating by spitting on Parattaiyan. The incident strengthens Mayil's protective stance and Gopalakrishnan's resolve.

Motivated by love, Mayil decides to marry Gopalakrishnan and sends him to a nearby town to buy wedding supplies. The couple's plan marks a turning point as they cling to hope despite social pressure. The journey hints at a sense of normalcy returning through a wedding.

Parattaiyan, enraged by Gopalakrishnan's absence, goes to Mayil's house intent on raping her. Gopalakrishnan returns, pleads with Parattaiyan to leave, but Parattaiyan refuses. In the ensuing struggle, Gopalakrishnan kills Parattaiyan with a rock and is arrested.

Gopalakrishnan is arrested after the killing, but he promises Mayil that he will return. Mayil waits every day for him, clinging to the hope of reunion despite the violence that has divided their lives. The story leaves their fate open with the pair separated by circumstance.