On the Other Side of the Bridge Kumud was in the cave opposite the Saumanasya Gufa. Ten women ascetics, including Bhakti and Vamini had accompanied her. They showed her the various caves and finally brought her to the cave opposite the one where Sarasvatichandra was. Many birds, including cuckoos, nested in the trees around the cave. It was still spring time, and the group decided to spend the night at this beautiful spot. This cave was called the Vasant Gufa; it was built like the Saumanasya Gufa, but on a low-lying area. For this reason it seemed somewhat lower than the other structures. The women had carried with them night clothes and fruits, which they kept on the lower floor and came up. They sat on the platform and admired the surrounding beauty. Kumud was with them. All conversation stopped as they were captivated by the natural beauty of the place. They remained silent till sunset. One of them lit a lamp and said, ‘Madhuri Maiya, this is the place where Guruji has asked Navinchandraji to spend five nights. He will stay in that cave opposite us. He will be there tonight if he has not already arrived. You will spend the night on this floor, while the rest of us will be on the floor below. We have made a soft bed suitable for you and kept fruits and water. There is a lamp here. We will leave you to your fate and go down.’ Kumud was startled. ‘What are you saying! You have cheated me. How am I to spend the night in this dreadful place? I will come down with you.’ ‘Maiya, ascetics have nothing to fear in this place. If you experience any fear, your heart will point out the saviour,’ said Pritimanini.

‘Madhuri, our hearts become free from fear in such places. We have not deceived you,’ said Bhakti Maiya. Kumud: ‘Why did you bring me here without fair warning?’ Bhakti: ‘You know well that Chandravali Maiya has discerned what ails your heart as also its remedy. Mohini Maiya has suggested that you should approach the beloved of your heart. Chandravali Maiya became your messenger and Viharpuri arranged for Navinchandra to spend some days here. You have heard Guruji. How can you then say that we have deceived you?’ Kumud: ‘Chandravali Maiya had clearly said that nothing will be done without my consent.’ Bhakti: ‘That is exactly what we have been trying to say to you.’ Kumud: ‘Why did you bring me here without my consent?’ Bhakti: ‘Madhuri Maiya, women of such learning as Chandravali and Mohini understand your heart’s desire better than you do—they do not need your consent in words, but can discern the unspoken consent of your heart.’ Vamini: ‘Madhuri, does your heart testify to the accusations that you place on these great women? You are not unaware that Chandravali Maiya and Viharpuriji have together acted as your messenger. Bhakti Maiya recounted to you the commands given by the Master. You came