The next day, after eating and settling their minds, when both sat together in solitude at noon, Indrajit Singh said to Madhavi—

"Now I cannot wait any longer; today I will not relent until I hear your true story, and there will not be another time as peaceful as this."

Madhavi: "Yes, today I will certainly tell you my story."

Indrajit Singh: "Then go on, tell me, why delay any longer? First, tell me where your parents are, and in which region is this land where I was brought, rendered unconscious?"

Madhavi: "This land belongs to Gayaji; I am the daughter of the king here. At present, I am the mistress myself—my parents died five years ago."

Indrajit Singh: "Oh! So I have arrived in the territory of Gayaji! (Thinking for a moment) So, you went to Chunar for me?"

Madhavi: "Yes, I went to Chunar, and this ring that you have on your hand—I sent it to you through the merchant."

Indrajit Singh: "Yes, that is true. So it seems, Kishori is also your name?"

The mention of the name Kishori startled Madhavi and threw her into a panic. It felt as if someone had struck her chest with great force. Instantly, her thoughts went to that tunnel from which Indrajit Singh had emerged, wearing wet clothes. She began to think, "His entering that tunnel was not without reason; either some enemy of mine arrived, or one of my companions betrayed me." From that very moment, a fear of Indrajit Singh settled in her heart, and she became so anxious that she could not compose herself. Making an excuse, she rose from his side and went out into the veranda to walk.

Indrajit Singh, too, understood the state of her mind from the changes in her expression, and, thinking it unwise to stop her as she made her excuse to leave, remained silent.

For half an hour, Madhavi paced the veranda. When her mind was somewhat settled, she stopped walking and went into another room, where her two closest companions resided—whom she valued more than her own life and in whom she placed great trust. These two companions, named Lalita and Tilottama, also loved her dearly and were well-versed in the art of ayyari.

Seeing Madhavi arrive at such an untimely hour, her two companions—who were lying on the bed and conversing—sat up in alarm, and Tilottama stepped forward and asked,

"Sister, what brings you here to this forest? There is a sign of worry upon your face!"

Madhavi: "What can I say, sister? Something has happened that I never expected!"

Lalita: "What is it, then? Tell me!"

Madhavi: "Come, sit down. I will tell you; that is why I have come."

After sitting down, Madhavi remained silent for a while. Then, recounting all that had transpired with Indrajit Singh, she said, "There is no doubt that a messenger of Kishori has arrived here, and it is he who has revealed all these secrets. I was suspicious from the very moment I saw him at the mouth of the tunnel, wearing wet clothes. It is a great difficulty—I cannot even take him out of here to my palace, for if that Chandaal hears of it, he will completely ruin everything. And I cannot put any pressure on him either, for all the affairs of the state are in his hands; he could destroy everything at his whim! If the kingdom itself is lost, where then will happiness remain? Until now, he knows nothing of Indrajit Singh's presence, but what will happen now, I cannot say!"

For an hour, Madhavi consulted with her clever companions, seeking their counsel. At last, having decided what must be done, she rose and went to the room where she had left Indrajit Singh.

While Madhavi sat with her friends discussing matters, Indrajit Singh too was lost in his own thoughts. He had already decided how he ought to behave with Madhavi, and by what cleverness he might free himself from her grasp, and resolved to act accordingly.

When Madhavi returned to Indrajit, he asked, "Why, where did you run off to in such a hurry?"

Madhavi: "For some reason, I felt faint, so I ran off. I also began to feel hot, so I went and vomited, and then I came to my senses."

Indrajit Singh: "How are you feeling now?"

Madhavi: "Now I am well."

After this, Indrajit Singh did not tease her further, and spent the day in laughter and cheer, for what he intended to do was already decided in his heart. He thought it unwise to quarrel openly and arouse suspicion in Madhavi's mind.

It was Madhavi's habit to leave for two hours every evening after the lamps were lit, by some unknown path, always asking Indrajit Singh's permission before she went. Today too, at her usual time, she intended to go and asked Indrajit Singh for leave.

Indrajit Singh: "For some reason, I have grown so fond of you that I cannot bear to let you out of my sight, even for a moment. I hope you will grant my request and abandon your intention of going anywhere."

Madhavi (happily): "Thank goodness you care so much for me. If that is your wish, I shall return very soon!"

Indrajit Singh: "Today, I will not let you go. Ah, look at how the clouds are gathering, what a beautiful sight! Even now, does your heart not feel any delight?"

The way Indrajit Singh spoke to Madhavi just now, he had never spoken to her before. Her heart blossomed with joy, yet she was caught in such a dilemma that only she could know—she did not wish to displease Indrajit Singh, nor did she have the strength to neglect her usual affairs. At last, after some thought, she decided it best to obey Indrajit Singh's command for now, and she passed the time in laughter and happiness.

What all she did today, staying by Indrajit Singh's side as he lay on