The Journey 2004

Two young friends, Kiran, a Hindu, and Delilah, a Catholic, grow up together from childhood to adulthood, discovering a forbidden love that tests the boundaries of family and faith. A classmate, Rajan, has a crush on Delilah and asks Kiran to pen love letters to Delilah on his behalf. Kiran does so as a way to express her own feelings while shielding herself from social ostracism.

Delilah eventually uncovers the truth behind the letters and acknowledges the depth of her own love for Kiran. Their relationship begins in earnest, but remains fragile because of social taboos against homosexuality. The romance is further complicated when Rajan witnesses a private moment between them and informs Delilah’s mother, who confronts her about the relationship. She reveals her love for Kiran, and to spare the family from disgrace, a marriage is arranged for Delilah with a visiting suitor. Delilah reluctantly agrees.

Kiran hopes to escape the looming wedding with help from her uncle who lives far away, but Delilah makes it clear that running away is not possible, and that what had existed between them has ended. As the wedding proceeds, Kiran makes her way to a cliff by the waterfall where they had once shared time together, bearing a heavy heartbreak. Delilah, meanwhile, rushes out of the church and calls Kiran’s name. Kiran looks back, but sees no one. She reaches for a cocoon on a branch and nearly slips, yet manages to stop the fall and pull herself up. Lying on her back, she spots a blue butterfly soaring above her. Delilah lifts her gaze to the sky and sees the same blue butterfly, a quiet, shared sign of their bond lingering beyond the moment of consequence.