The ayyars, carrying the wounded Indrajit Singh, made their way far from that place, while poor Kishori was carried off by the wicked Agniddatt to his own house. Witnessing all this, Tilottama slipped away and entered a room inside the garden. She saw that the door to the tunnel was open, and the key was lying on the ground nearby. She picked up the key and, closing the door behind her, proceeded through the tunnel to Madhavi. Madhavi's condition at this moment was dire. She was certain that the Diwan Sahib's secret must have been completely exposed, and, terrified, she was convinced that there was no hope left for her. For, through long neglect, the Diwan Sahib had managed to seize control over all the people and the army.

As soon as Tilottama arrived, she said to Madhavi—

Tilottama: "What are you thinking now, and why do you weep? I warned you before not to get entangled in these affairs; the outcome would not be good! Virendra Singh's ayyars..."

Like a calamity, whoever they pursue, they utterly destroy; but you did not heed my words, and now you have come to see such a day.

Madhavi: None of Virendra Singh's spies came. Indrajit Singh forcibly snatched the key from my hand and left; I could do nothing.

Tilottama: After all, what could you have done to them?

Madhavi: What has become of them now?

Tilottama: They fought their way out, sending hundreds of your men to the abode of Yama. Kishori was taken away by your Diwan Sahib. Once Kishori fell into his hands, what need had he to fight further? Even the birds of the sky would descend at the sight of Kishori's beauty—what, then, is Diwan Sahib in comparison? Now that wretch must be scheming to kill you completely, become king in full right, and make Kishori his queen. What can you do against him now?

Madhavi: Alas, my ill deeds have brought me to ruin. There is no kingdom left in my fate. Now it seems I shall wander from door to door, like a beggar woman, seeking alms.

Tilottama: Yes, even if you somehow escape from here with your life, you may yet survive by begging. Otherwise, there is no hope at all.

Madhavi: Would Diwan Sahib truly treat me with such heartlessness?

Tilottama: If you trust him, then stay and see what becomes of you. But as for me, I will not remain here a moment longer!

Madhavi: If only Kishori had not fallen into his hands, I would still have had some hope, and could have found some excuse. But now...

With this, Madhavi began to weep bitterly, until she was overtaken by sobs and, falling at Tilottama's feet, she said:

"Tilottama, I swear that from this day forth I shall not act against your commands."

Tilottama: If that is so, then I too swear that I shall restore you to this very station, and take such revenge on Virendra Singh's spies and Diwan