Kunwar Indrajit Singh returned home accompanied by Naharsingh and Tarasingh, and recounted everything to his younger brother. He too, upon hearing it all, became very distressed and began to ponder what should be done next. Both princes were deeply troubled. If they sent Tarasingh to investigate, there would be no ayyār left in Gaya, and if their father were to hear of this, he would be greatly grieved—which was their greatest concern. The two brothers remained in great anxiety until well past noon; only after midday did their worry lessen somewhat, when Pandit Badrinath, Bhaironsingh, and Jagannath Jyotishi arrived.

The arrival of these three brought great relief to the two princes, who felt certain now that their work would not be hindered.

Kunwar Indrajit Singh, Anand Singh, Tarasingh, Pandit Badrinath, Bhaironsingh, and the Jyotishi—all of them withdrew to the garden's outer pavilion, seeking solitude, and began to converse.

Anand Singh: "Well, sir, now even here the enemies have become numerous."

Jyotishi: "No matter, there is no harm in that."

Indrajit Singh: "Bhaironsingh, first tell us of your own situation—what happened after you left here?"

Bhaironsingh: "I realized on the way itself that Kishori was not there."

Indrajit Singh: "I too had learned that much."

Bhaironsingh: "Indeed, the same man who brought me the news must have come to you as well."

Indrajit Singh: "Well, what happened then?"

Bhaironsingh: "Nevertheless, I went there (gesturing towards Badrinath and the Jyotishi) and joined forces with these gentlemen. They were already present there with two hundred brave men. In the end, the result was that Diwan Agnidatt and two or three of his companions were arrested and sent to Chunar. As for Madhavi, no one knows where she has gone. All the people there were displeased with Agnidatt, so it was very easy for us to take control of the royal residence. I have now left Pannalal there with those two hundred men."

Badrinath: "Now tell us what has happened here. I have heard that some very strange affairs have taken place!"

Indrajit Singh: "You must have heard the account of this place from Bhaironsingh, but after that, a most peculiar incident occurred last night."

Tarasingh then recounted all the events of the night to them, which, upon hearing, left them all greatly

They became absorbed in these preparations.

While these people were still conversing, a chobdar came and announced, "Akhadnath Babaji is standing outside and wishes to come in." Upon hearing the name Akhandnath, they began to wonder who he was and where he had come from. At last, Indrajit Singh summoned him, and the moment he saw his face, he recognized him.

Reader, this Akhandnath Babaji is the very same who lived upon the fearsome mound in the middle of the Phalgu, opposite Ramshila, whom Madhavi used to visit, and who had saved Kishori's life at that time when, in the ruins, Bhimsen was about to plunge his dagger into her chest as he sat astride her. We have already recounted his story in the third chapter above. Tarasingh also recognized this Babaji, for he too had been with Indrajit Singh the previous night.

Indrajit Singh rose and bowed respectfully to Babaji. Seeing him rise, everyone else also stood up. The prince seated Babaji beside him and, glancing toward the ayyaars, said, "I have already told you about him—he is the one who saved Kishori's life in those ruins."

Babaji said, "It is God who saves lives; what can I do? But tell me, do you know what happened after that incident?"

Indrajit Singh replied, "Nothing at all. At this very moment, we are all pondering over it."

Babaji said, "Well then, listen to me. As for the two other women who were in that house, I do not know where they went in search of Kishori, but I know well what happened to Kishori herself."

Babaji's words drew everyone's hearts toward him, and all listened to him with rapt attention. Babaji began to speak:

"When you, Kumar, were fighting with Naharsingh, Bhimsen's companions, who were hiding nearby, found their chance. They seized Kishori and fled toward Shivdattgarh. But they could not take her far, for on the way, the ayyaars of the king of Rohtasgarh were lying in wait. They fought and snatched Kishori away, taking her to Rohtasgarh. Upon hearing of Kishori's beauty, the king of Rohtasgarh had resolved to marry her to his son, and for many days his ayyaars had been obsessed with the thought of capturing her. Now, finding the opportunity, they accomplished their task. If you do not quickly devise a plan to rescue her, all hope for the poor girl's safety will be lost."

1. Rohtasgarh is a renowned place in the region of Bihar. It is a fortress atop a mountain. In those days, the length and breadth of this fort would have been about ten kos. Even great kings did not dare to conquer it. Today, the structure is almost entirely in ruins, yet it is still worth seeing.

It is very difficult to conquer the fort of Rohtasgarh by force, even if you surpass them in army and wealth. Entering that magnificent fort atop the mountain is no easy task. Still, whatever happens, do not lose heart. Even if you do not think of Kishori, you must strive, considering that this mighty fort nearby is truly worthy of you. God will grant you victory, and as far as possible, I too shall aid you."

Hearing all this from Babaji, Kunwar Indrajit Singh was greatly pleased. On one hand, he was delighted to have news of Kishori; on the other, the prospect of fighting a great battle against the king of Rohtasgarh, proving his youthful valor, and establishing his claim over such a famous fort filled him with joy. With a voice brimming with enthusiasm, he spoke to Babaji:

Indrajit Singh: "The souls of great warriors will peer down from heaven to witness how the battle for Rohtasgarh is fought, and how we