In the dead of night, two young women walked together across a desolate plain, conversing quietly. Along the way, they had to cross small mounds, which they did with some difficulty, occasionally stopping to catch their breath before continuing. From this, it was clear that they were in urgent need of reaching a particular place or meeting someone at this very hour. Our readers are already well acquainted with these two women, so there is no need to describe their appearance—for one is Kinnari, and the other is Kamla.

Kinnari: "Kamla, look, this is what they call the twists of fate. By all accounts, we had completed our work in Gayaji, but alas!"

Kamla: "You did everything you could to help Kishori, with all your heart and soul. Surely Kishori will remember you all her life, and she will consider you her sister. Well, never mind, we must not lose courage, nor should we ever forget God."

I keep thinking of poor Anand Singh again and again. He truly loves you, but not knowing anything about your condition, who knows what thoughts must be arising in his heart. Yes, if he knew that the one his heart loves is safe and well, he would surely be happy.

Kinnari (sighing deeply): "As God wills!"

Kamla: "Look, the wall of that old building is coming into view."

Kinnari: "Yes, that's right, we've arrived now."

With this, the two of them reached a dilapidated building whose wide walls and grand gates spoke of the honor it must have once held in some bygone era. Even though the structure was now in a wretched state, besides the small chambers, several large halls and rooms still remained.

They both entered the building. In the middle, there was a heap of lime, mortar, and bricks, beside which the two circled around and reached a hall. In this hall, there was a small room to one side. Kamla went inside and lit a candle, then began to look around. Beside her, built into the wall, was a cupboard with two handles for pulling open the panel. Handing the candle to Kinnari, Kamla gripped both handles with her hands and turned them three or four times. Instantly, the panel swung open, revealing a small chamber within. Both of them entered the chamber and closed the panels behind them. On the inside of these panels, there were also handles for opening and closing them in the same way.

In this chamber was a cellar, with small steps leading down. The two descended and saw a man sitting there, a candle burning before him as he wrote something.

This man appeared to be about sixty years old. More than half the hair on his head and mustache had turned white, yet there was no sign of weakness in his body. His hands and feet were sturdy and strong, and his broad chest spoke of his valor. Though his complexion was dusky, his face was handsome and commanding. The brilliance of youth still shone in his large eyes, and the fitted mirzai he wore suited him well. His head was bare, but nearby on the ground lay a white turban, which, judging by its placement, he had removed due to the heat. In his left hand was a fan, with which he was trying to keep cool, though the dampness of sweat was still visible on his body.

To one side, in a clay vessel, a small fire burned, upon which some fragrant substance was smoldering, filling the cellar with a pleasant aroma. Hearing the footsteps of Kamla and Kinnari, he had already turned his attention toward the stairs, and as soon as he saw them, he said, "So, you both have come?"

Kamala: "Yes, indeed!"

Man (gesturing toward Kinnari): "Is her name Kamini?"

Kamala: "Yes."

Man: "Kamini! Come, my child, sit beside me. Just as I consider Kamala my own, I regard you the same."

Kamini: "Certainly, just as Kamala does, I too consider you my real uncle."

Man: "Do not worry about anything. As far as I am able, I will help you. (Looking at Kamala) Do you have any news from Rohtasgarh?"

Kamala: "I went there yesterday, but I could not find out much. I had promised to meet you here, so I returned quickly."

Man: "It has only been about a watch since I myself came from Rohtasgarh."

Kamala: "Then surely you must have learned a great deal about the situation there."

Man: "No one could know more about that place than I. For twenty-five years, I served the king there with honesty and honor. Even though now Digvijay Singh has become our enemy, still, I would never do anything to harm that kingdom. Yes, for your sake, I will certainly help Kishori."

Kamala: "Digvijay Singh became upset with you for no reason."

Man: "No, no, he did not act without cause. When he wishes to keep Kishori with him by force, and he knows that Kamala, the niece of Sher Singh the Aiyyar, is serving Kishori and is skilled in the arts of disguise, and that she will try every trick to rescue Kishori, then it was only prudent for him to be wary of me, no matter how loyal and upright I may be considered. His intention to imprison me was not unjustified. Alas! There was a time when Randhir Singh (Kishori's grandfather) and Digvijay Singh were friends, I served Digvijay Singh, and my younger brother—your father (may God grant him heaven)—lived with Randhir Singh. Look now, how everything has turned upside down. I fled, fearing wrongful imprisonment, but people will surely say that Sher Singh betrayed them."

Kamala: "When you do not speak ill of Rohtasgarh from your heart, what does it matter what people say? Why would they malign you?"

Sher Singh: "Yes, that is true. Well, let us leave these matters aside. Ah, poor Kundan was thoroughly outwitted by Lali. If I had not known one of Lali's secrets and warned Kundan,