A lot can happen in a day. Two strangers, a man and a woman, can meet and develop companionship through conversations, stealing glances, and smiles. All against the spiritual backdrop of Varanasi. That is what Varsha Vasudev has crafted in her directorial debut, Chinna Chinna Aasai, a poignant story that keeps us emotionally invested and leaves us with an ache in the end.Varsha, who has written the story as well, weaves a simple story that is all heart. Elevating the poetic narrative is the performances of her actors — Indrans, who is going from strength to strength with each film, and Madhoo, who breezed into Indian cinema 34 years ago as an effervescent girl in Mani Ratnam’s Roja.Indrans’ Madhavan is a retired school teacher and single father who often visits Varanasi to meet his daughter Janaki (Aparna Balamurali), who is learning kathak. Madhoo is Leela, a widow from Thanjavur, touring the holy city with a group. When Leela gets left out of the group and is robbed of her belongings and phone, Madhavan meets her, sitting by the ghat, crying. He volunteers to help reunite her with her group. An initially distant Leela eventually warms up to Madhavan. He takes her around Varanasi that day, and the few hours she spends with him help Leela find herself.