Morning light filtered softly through the carved stone pillars of the temple courtyard. The air carried the faint scent of incense and sandalwood. In the outer mandap, before the stone idol of Shiva, Aksh sat quietly against one of the pillars.

A cream cotton cloth was draped diagonally across his torso from the left shoulder, covering most of his upper body except the right arm and shoulder. His right arm rested immobile in the sling. On his lower half he wore simple black three-fourths. His eyes were closed. Breathing slow. The atmosphere was silent and serene.