Hemchandra arrived at the residence of Madhavacharya and found the Acharya engaged in his prayers. Hemchandra bowed and said, “All our efforts have come to nothing. What orders do you now have for your servant? The Yavanas have conquered Gauda. Perhaps, by the fate of this land of Bharat, the decree of servitude to the Yavanas has been written! Otherwise, how could the Yavanas have conquered Gauda without a fight? If, by the sacrifice of this body, even for a single day, our motherland could be freed from the hands of the plunderers, then I am ready to do so this very moment. With that intention, I ventured into the city at night, hoping for battle—but I saw no battle. I saw only one side attacking, the other fleeing.”

Madhavacharya said, “My child! Do not be disheartened. The decrees of fate are never in vain. Since I have calculated that the Yavanas will be defeated, you may rest assured that they shall indeed be vanquished. The Yavanas have conquered Nabadwip, it is true, but Nabadwip is not Gauda. The chief king has abandoned his throne and fled. Yet, in this kingdom of Gauda, there are many vassal kings; they have not yet been subdued. Who can say that, if all the kings unite and fight with all their might, the Yavanas will not be defeated?”

Hemchandra said, “That is but a faint hope.”

Madhavacharya replied, “The astrologer’s calculations cannot be false; they must surely come to pass. However, perhaps I have made one error. I foresaw that the Yavanas would be defeated in the east—and so we expected that the Yavanas would be conquered right here in Nabadwip. But Gauda is not truly the east—Kamarupa is the east. Perhaps it is there that our hopes will bear fruit.”

He. “Yes. But at present, I see no sign that the Yavanas intend to march on Kamarupa.”

Ma. “These Yavanas are never still for long. As soon as they are firmly established in Gauda, they will attack Kamarupa.”

He. “That too I admit, and I also admit that if they attack Kamarupa, they will be defeated. But if that is so, what good will it do for the recovery of my father’s kingdom?”

Ma. “These Yavanas, by repeated victories thus far, have established themselves among the kings as invincible. Out of fear, none dare oppose them. But if they are defeated even once, their glory will be lost. Then all the Aryan kings of India will take up arms. If all unite and bear arms together, how long can the Yavanas stand?”

He. “Gurudev! You are clinging to hope alone; so am I.” That is what I have done. Now, what should I do—command me.

Mother: I was pondering the same. It is no longer proper for you to remain in this city; for the Yavanas have resolved upon your death. My command is—this very day, you must leave the city.

Hemchandra: Where shall I go?

Mother: Come with me to Kamarupa.

Hemchandra, lowering his face, abashed and hesitant, spoke softly, “Where will you leave Mrinalini?”

Madhavacharya, astonished, said, “What is this! I had thought that, at Kalika’s word, you had banished Mrinalini from your heart!”

Hemchandra, in the same gentle manner as before, replied, “Mrinalini is not to be abandoned. She is my wedded wife.”

Madhavacharya was amazed. He was pained. With some vexation, he said, “And I knew nothing of this?”

Hemchandra then recounted to him the entire story of his marriage from beginning to end.

Hearing it, Madhavacharya remained silent for a while. Then he said, “A wife who is of bad character is, according to scripture, to be abandoned. The doubts regarding Mrinalini’s character, I revealed to you yesterday.”

Then Hemchandra revealed all the details concerning Byomkesh.

Hearing this, Madhavacharya expressed his joy. He said, “My son! I am greatly pleased. In separating you from your beloved and virtuous wife, I have caused you much suffering. Now I bless you—may you both live long and practice righteousness together for many years. If you are now united with your wife, then I will not urge you to accompany me to Kamarupa. I shall go ahead. When the time is right, the ruler of Kamarupa will send a messenger to you. For now, go and dwell with your bride in Mathura—or reside wherever else you deem fit.”

After such a conversation, Hemchandra took his leave of Madhavacharya. Madhavacharya, with tearful eyes, blessed and embraced him, bidding him farewell.