Walking Away Sarasvatichandra was eager to read Kumud Sundari’s letter. He hurried out of the house. If anyone had seen the letter, the consequences would have been disastrous for Kumud Sundari. Murkhdutt met him at Rajeshwar Mahadev. Sarasvatichandra had his lunch with him. During lunch, the two of them conversed. ‘Bhai Navinchandar, where will you go from here?’ ‘I intend going towards Bhadreshwar.’ ‘Have you arranged for a carriage?’ ‘I will take a ride in a passing cart.’ ‘Did not Bhai Sahib arrange a carriage for you?’ ‘I did not ask for it. I want to go alone.’ ‘Don’t tell anyone on the way that you have been his guest.’ ‘Why?’ ‘Shathrai’s outlaws are at large. They harass anyone who they take to be from Bhai Sahib’s faction. Kumud Sundari is also going to Bhadreshwar. I told Behn Alak Kishori that her departure should be delayed, or else there should be adequate protection arranged for her.’ ‘Let them be. What should I be afraid of? I will spend some time in the garden. Please stop any cart passing this way, and call me.’ Murkhdutt went out. Sarasvatichandra went into the garden. He sat on Murkhdutt’s bed and read the letter. He knew their separation was final. As he tried to clear his mind and think of a way ahead, the tears now coursed freely down his face. Kumud Sundari, what can I do for you? All you want is that I should return to Bombay. You are truly a pure woman. Some women are courageous and do not submit to men they dislike. Are they virtuous? But you kept your resolve despite such deep and abiding love for me. Is your virtue not superior? Sita felt no love for Ravana, naturally she turned away from him. But you did much more, Kumud Sundari. You counselled me. Until now, I was never aware of my own frailty. This was the second instance in which you have saved me. How fortunate and blessed I would have been had I not abandoned you! Now, it is my fate to leave you. Should I follow your advice? If you can, do pardon me, but I cannot do what you ask of me. I will not return to Bombay. I must atone for what I have done to you. I will roam the land, I will face what hardships come my way, and I will remember you. I do not desire prestige or worldly glory. For whom? I had agreed to be a householder for the sake of my father. You enticed me to worldly desires. But my father’s conduct gave me the liberty to break free from worldly bondage. I abandoned you and renounced the world. Why must I dream those dreams again? Dear Chandrakant, why did you have to go to Bhadreshwar? Am I to meet Kumud there again? Events of last night have forced me to leave Suvarnapur in haste. I cannot wait for you here. I cannot meet you here. And