A Night in Manoharpuri Compared to other houses in the village, Gunasundari’s house in Manoharpuri was spacious and comfortable. There were separate rooms for Manchatura, Sundargauri, Gunasundari and Chandrakant. Each of these rooms had all the required conveniences and the rooms were well furnished. There was a kitchen, a dining room, a water room and a bath room. There was a veranda through which one entered the house. There was some land at the rear of the house which was fenced. From the time that Sarasvatichandra lay wounded in the forest till dusk with Aarthdas for company, Gunasundari remained in the veranda of her house, her eyes riveted on the road that led to the village. The sun had not yet set. In the distance, the taad trees caught the last rays of the sun. Leaning against a ladder for support, Gunasundari was responding to the queries and concerns of the villagers who had gathered to meet her, but her mind was elsewhere. Her attention moved from the road to the history of her family. The sun finally set. As darkness descended, Gunasundari saw two riders approaching the village. She followed their progress as they made their way through the curious crowd. Even from a distance, their dress identified them. As they came closer, it became clear that these were the two armed guards—Abdullah and Fatehsinh—who had been sent to Suvarnapur. They rode up to the veranda and Fatehsinh, still astride his horse, handed a note to Gunasundari. She quickly tore open the cover and read the letter.

Mother, pious as a shrine, may the auspicious signs of your marriage remain forever. I shall leave this evening and embrace your feet tomorrow morning. The riders will give you other news as well. My revered father-in-law has become the Karbhari of Suvarnapur. The old administration has changed. Mother-in- law and sister-in-law invite you here. I am happy here. But today my heart feels heavy. I will unburden myself when I meet you tomorrow. Please convey my dandavat pranam to Dadaji and Kaki. My blessings to the sister. Father must be in Ratnanagari. Dandvat pranam of Kumud, the dust of thy feet. Chaitra Sud Bij As Gunasundari read the letter, Manchatura, Sundargauri, Kusum Sundari and Chandrakant came and stood around her in anticipation. Kusum took the letter from her mother and read it out aloud. Each of them took turns to read it, including Chandrakant. He had last seen Kumud’s letters in the hands of Sarasvatichandra; that memory now caused a desolate sigh to escape him. Gunasundari was worried by the words, ‘... my heart feels heavy. I will unburden myself when I meet you tomorrow’. She speculated over what Kumud could have possibly meant. She put many queries to the two riders, asking them about Suvarnapur, Buddhidhan’s family, her son-in-law and her daughter. Finally, Abdullah and Fatehsinh sought her permission and left. Night descended upon the world. The lamps were lit, spreading their light. The villagers also sought leave of Gunasundari