That very day, Madhavacharya’s wanderings came to an end. He arrived in Navadwip. There, beholding his beloved disciple Hemchandra, he felt fulfilled; and after blessings, embraces, and inquiries after each other’s welfare, the two withdrew to speak in private of their purpose. Having recounted the tale of his travels in detail, Madhavacharya said, “After much toil, I have achieved partial success. Among the vassal kings of this land, many have agreed to support King Sena on the battlefield with their armies. Soon, all will gather here in Navadwip.” Hemchandra replied, “If they do not arrive here today, all will be lost. The Yavana army has come; they are encamped in the great forest. Any day now, they will attack the city.” Madhavacharya shuddered at this news. He asked, “What efforts have been made on behalf of the King of Gauda?” Hemchandra answered, “None at all. It seems this news has not yet reached the royal presence. I chanced upon it only yesterday.” Madhavacharya said, “Why did you not bring this to the king’s attention and offer sound counsel?” Hemchandra replied, “No sooner had I received the news than I was wounded by bandits on the road and fell upon the highway. Only just now have I returned home and taken a little rest. Because of my injuries, I have not been able to appear before the king. I am going now.”

Mother, now you must rest. I am going to the king. Afterwards, I shall inform you of whatever transpires. Saying this, Madhavacharya rose to his feet. Then Hemchandra spoke, “Lord! I have heard that you journeyed as far as Gauda—” Understanding his intent, Madhavacharya replied, “I did. You are inquiring after Mrinalini, hoping for news of her? Mrinalini is not there.” Hemchandra: Where has she gone? Mother: That I do not know; no one could give me any information. Hemchandra: Why did she leave? Mother: My child! I shall tell you all after the war is over. With a furrowed brow, Hemchandra said, “Do not fear that I will be overcome with anguish if you reveal the true story to me. I have already heard part of it. Whatever you know, please disclose it to me without hesitation.” When Madhavacharya had gone to the city of Gauda, Hrishikesh had told him, to the best of his knowledge, the story of Mrinalini. That account, too, seemed to Madhavacharya to be the truth. Madhavacharya had never, at any time, been partial to women—therefore, he did not understand the ways of women. Now, hearing Hemchandra’s words, he felt that Hemchandra, having heard parts of that story, had already relinquished his desire for Mrinalini—thus, seeing no possibility of any new distress, he once more took his seat and began to recount to Hemchandra the narrative as Hrishikesh had told it. Hemchandra, head bowed, brow tightly knit, hands folded upon his lap, listened in silence to the entire tale. Even after Madhavacharya had finished speaking, he gave no response. He remained just as he was. Madhavacharya called, “Hemchandra!” There was no reply. Again— He called, “Hemchandra!” Yet there was no reply.

Then Madhavacharya rose and took Hemchandra’s hand; in a voice most gentle and full of affection, he said, “My child! My son! Lift your face, speak with me!”

Hemchandra raised his face. Seeing it, Madhavacharya too was struck with fear.

Madhavacharya said, “Speak with me. If you are angry, let it be known.”

Hemchandra said, “Whose words am I to believe? Hrishikesh has said one thing. The beggar woman spoke quite differently.”

Madhavacharya asked, “Who is this beggar woman? What did she say?”

Hemchandra replied very briefly.

In a hesitant voice, Madhavacharya said, “It seems Hrishikesh’s words are false.”

Hemchandra said, “Hrishikesh was an eyewitness.”

He stood up. He took in hand the spear given by his father. With trembling body, he began to pace silently within the house.

The Acharya asked, “What are you thinking?”

Showing the spear in his hand, Hemchandra said, “I shall pierce Mrinalini with this spear.”

Seeing the expression on his face, Madhavacharya, terrified, withdrew.

In the morning, Mrinalini had said, “Hemchandra is mine alone.”