Nakhakshathangal

During a pilgrimage to Guruvayoor, 16-year-old Ramu meets Gowri and her grandmother. They share tender conversations and a budding sense of affection. The moment leaves them hopeful of a future encounter, even as they part ways without knowing what lies ahead.

Back with his uncle, Ramu decides to run away and ends up in the city with his neighbor Namboothiri. In this new place, fate brings him back into Gowri's orbit and they reconnect. The reunion renews their hope for a shared future, despite the difficulties ahead.

Ramu's good conduct and intelligence catch the eye of a kind lawyer, who invites him to stay in the house where Gowri works as a maid. The arrangement changes the trajectory of Ramu's life and entwines him with Gowri's world. It also introduces new loyalties and budding tensions.

The lawyer's deaf and dumb daughter, Lakshmi, is attracted to Ramu, and the family quietly sets up a marriage arrangement with her. Ramu is drawn into the household's orbit, where Gowri remains a steadfast presence. The stage is set for a complicated triangle of affection.

Gowri takes up a role as Lakshmi's maid, trying to guide Ramu toward Gowri. Ramu remains torn, loving Gowri while gradually warming to Lakshmi. The growing closeness among them deepens the emotional stakes in the household.

Lakshmi's grandmother falls ill, and the lawyer promises that he and Lakshmi will not pressure Ramu or disappoint him. The worry over the elder's condition tightens the bonds and the expectations around Ramu's future. The family weighs fidelity to tradition against individual happiness.

Lakshmi grows arrogant and resents Gowri's influence over Ramu, leading to a sharp confrontation. Gowri insists on staying with Ramu, and Lakshmi slaps her, driving Gowri to tears. Ramu witnesses the heartbreak and begins to question the future of their arrangement.

Ramu tells the lawyer that he does not want the imposed marriage to Lakshmi. The revelation saddens the family, but Lakshmi's obvious love for him makes the situation more painful. Ramu becomes depressed as he realizes the depth of the conflict between duty and desire.

In a tender moment by the waterhole steps, Lakshmi apologizes to Gowri for her earlier harshness and the two share a heartfelt embrace. Gowri forgives Lakshmi, and they acknowledge the risk of their love triangle. The reconciliation offers a fragile sense of peace amid looming tragedy.

Ramu disappears, leaving a suicide note confessing that he has killed himself by getting run over by a train. Lakshmi finds the note on her desk and passes it to Gowri, who is devastated by the loss. The two women mourn together outside Lakshmi's house as the story closes on a note of heartbreak.