Kunwar Indrajit Singh still remained in that enchanting place. No matter how restless his heart might be, he was compelled to spend his days with the helpless Madhavi. Well, whatever is to happen will happen, but at this moment, though there was still half the day left, Kunwar Indrajit Singh was resting inside his room on a cot with golden legs, while a maidservant gently fanned him. We cannot say for certain whether sleep held him captive, or whether he lay there deliberately, pondering ways to unravel the web of his ill fortune. Well, let him remain thus for now; let us instead visit Tilottama's chamber and see what conversation she is having with Madhavi. Madhavi's smiling face showed clearly that she was happier today than on other days, but no trace of happiness could be seen on Tilottama's face.

Madhavi took Tilottama's hand and said, "Friend, today I do not find you as happy as I am myself."

Tilottama: Your happiness is quite justified.

Madhavi: So, are you not happy that Kishori has fallen into my trap and is now locked up here in the cellar like a prisoner?

Tilottama: I am happy about that, too.

Madhavi: Then what are you upset about? Ah, I understand—you must be troubled because Lalita has not yet returned.

Tilottama: That's right. I am thinking a lot about Lalita. I am convinced now that Kamla has captured her.

Madhavi: Then we should think about rescuing her.

Tilottama: I don't have the time to go and rescue her, for my hands and feet are tied up with troubles of a different kind—troubles you know nothing about. If you did, you would be as downcast as I am today.

Tilottama's words startled Madhavi, and she looked at Tilottama in alarm.

Tilottama: Why do you stare at me? I am not lying. You are so lost in your own pleasures and comforts that you have no idea of the world's affairs. You don't even know what disaster is about to befall you in just a few days. Do you really believe Kishori will remain your prisoner? Are you at all aware of what's happening outside? Are you ruling the kingdom of Gaya just to earn a bad name? I have told you dozens of times to mend your ways, but you never listened. Helpless, I left you to your own will. And out of love, I have always obeyed your commands, but now I can no longer manage it!

Madhavi: Tilottama, what has happened to you today that you are so agitated? What calamity has struck to make you so distraught? Don't you know how well Diwan Sahib is managing the affairs of this kingdom, and how clever the Senapati and Kotwal are in their duties? Can anyone cause trouble in our kingdom while they are here?

Tilottama: It is certainly true that as long as those three are here, no one can disturb this kingdom. But you don't even know what's become of those three! Kotwal Sahib has already gone to hell, and Diwan Sahib and Senapati Sahib are about to follow him any day now—in fact, they may already be gone for all I know.

Madhavi: What are you saying?

Tilottama: Yes, I am speaking the absolute truth. Without any effort, this kingdom is about to fall into Virendra Singh's hands. That is why I told you not to let Indrajit Singh stay here. Each one of his ayyars is a harbinger of disaster. I have been observing their activities for several days. To provoke them is like setting fire to a spinning wheel of fireworks.

Madhavi: "So, has Virendra Singh found out that his son is imprisoned here?"

Tilottama: "If he hasn't found out, then why are all his spies arriving here and causing such a commotion?"

Madhavi: "Then why didn't you inform me earlier?"

Tilottama: "What could I have told you? Are you even allowed to hear such news?"

Madhavi: "Tilottama, stop speaking in such a bitter, cutting manner and tell me clearly what has happened and what is happening now. To tell the truth, I am relying solely on you. I know very well that apart from you, I have no one to protect me. I believed that as long as I remained within these four hills, no calamity could befall me, but now, hearing your words, even that hope is slipping away."

Tilottama: "That's right, you shouldn't have such faith anymore. There's no doubt I am ready to give my life for you, but tell me yourself—what can I do in front of Virendra Singh's spies? Poor Lalita was my helper, but she too got caught while trying to trap Kishori. Now, alone, how much can I manage?"

Madhavi: "You can do everything, don't lose courage. But first, tell me how Virendra Singh's spies arrived here and what they are doing now."

Tilottama: "Very well, listen, I'll tell you everything. I don't know who arrived here first, but ever since Chapla came, I have learned a little of what's going on."

Madhavi (shrieking)—What! Chapla has arrived here?

Tilottama: "Yes, she has. Upon arriving, she even made a second key for that tunnel you use to come and go, the same one where I have imprisoned Kishori. One night, when you left Indrajit Singh asleep to meet Diwan Sahib, Chapla also, taking Indrajit Singh with her, unlocked the tunnel with her own key and followed you in secret. Both of them, hiding, witnessed everything between you and Diwan Sahib. Don't think that poor Indrajit Singh is naïve and knows nothing of your affairs—he knows everything now."

Madhavi (After a long pause, lost in thought): "How did you see Chapla?"

Tilottama: "It's my habit, and Lalita's as well, to get up three or four times at night and wander about. At that time, I was standing behind a pillar in my veranda, watching here and there, when Chapla and Indrajit Singh returned from the tunnel after spying on you. After that, the