Kusum’s Cloister Shocked by her parents’ talk, Kusum had shut herself in her room. She stood at a window which opened out towards the garden. She was petrified by what she had just heard. The heat of her emotions had dried her tears, which still glistened on her cheeks. The green vistas of Saundarya Udyan before her gave a new tinge to the flaming red of her eyes. The play of light on the trees soothed her fraught mind. Gradually she calmed herself and began to consider the issue from other vantage points. Neither Pitaji nor Gunial are to be blamed. They are worried and perturbed because they have my welfare in their hearts. If they had any inkling about the state of my mind they would be less worried, and I would also be able to have my way. The verdant garden with its shades of green and play of light and shadow has reduced my agitation. Flora says that God manifests Himself in nature and gives us joy and bliss. This is an example of that. Mirabai sang: Mira is devoted to you, O’ Lord, you know all. The image of the Lord that she spoke of must be this. God manifests himself through idols, as also through trees and the rays of the sun. Today I have realised the true nature of that manifest God! Oh my God! You saved Mirabai. Now you must save me! Will you not save me? I too say that, ‘Kusum is devoted to your image! Oh Lord, you know the state of my heart.’

She continued to look out of the window for a while longer. Finally she sat down with her hands in her lap and thought, Pitaji is opposed to my marriage with Buddhidhan, while Gunial is in favour of it. I had heaved a sigh of relief knowing that Sarasvatichandra cannot be traced. From where has this new trouble come? I do not want either! God willing, Gunial will fail in this plan and Sarasvatichandra will not be traced; then I can have my way. I will flatly refuse this proposal for Buddhidhan; which means that Gunial will fail and Pitaji’s view will prevail. If father prevails in this instance, eventually I will have my way! Kusum opened the door and looked around. Her parents were not to be seen. Kusum entered their room. The letters were on the table. ‘Is it a theft to read letters concerning me which are addressed to Pitaji?’ she mused aloud. ‘Even Kumud behn used to read, without anyone’s knowledge, Sarasvatichandra’s letters to father.’ Narbheram had written to Vidya Chatura, pleading for Kusum’s hand for Buddhidhan with a lot of pathetic humility. He had also said that Buddhidhan was not in favour of his remarriage, but everyone including the Maharana had made up their mind. Kusum saw a glimmer of hope. She read Buddhidhan’s letter to her father. Dear Vidya Chaturaji, I have lost two of the finest gems of my family.