Why does Inder Lal's mother take Ritu on the pilgrimage?

Inder Lal's mother takes Ritu on the pilgrimage to heal her ill spirit that is displayed by her shrieking. For the older woman to take such a long journey with the daughter-in-law she speaks to so harshly, it seems she must have some fond feelings for the girls. However, it's not clear if she is doing this for Ritu, her son, her grandchildren or for another reason.