Some Decisions and a Resolve The star of the unconquered will He rises in my breast Serene, and resolute, and still, And calm, and self-possessed.⁵³² Kumud went and joined her companions, and the two friends went out for a walk. Chandrakant spoke of the happenings at Vidya Chatura’s house, Gunasundari’s pain on account of her daughters and Sarasvatichandra, about Kusum’s firm resolve, her intelligence and her defence of Sarasvatichandra’s decision to leave home and finally he spoke about Laxminandan’s sorry condition and Dhurtalal’s cunning and scheming ways. He spoke at length and his words found their mark in the heart of the listener. That night Chandravali met Kumud and recognised her Madhuri as the daughter of the minister of Ratnanagari. Kumud told her about the divine experience which she had because of Guruji’s grace. They went up to Saumanasya Gufa and sat talking with the two friends till midnight. They spoke frankly but with caution. They also discussed the future course of action, but no one could come up with a resolution. Finally Kumud and Chandravali went back to rest in Vasant Gufa. Kumud could not sleep at all. Every time Chandravali woke up, she broached the subject of the decision to be made. In contrast, the two friends slept deeply. Once or twice Chandrakant woke up, laughed about something and went back to sleep.

Early next morning Kumud went to meet Sarasvatichandra; she had worn her kantha. She folded her hands to him and said, ‘I have come to seek your consent to go and meet my unhappy mother. I also request you to meet her and give her solace when you have the time. Now it is time for you to meet Guruji. I do not know where the two of you will be. Please send a message through Chandravalibehn. I will convey the deliberations of the three sisters, Kumud, Kusum and Chandravali, and seek your consent about it. ‘Chandrakantbhai, you have not worn the kantha, but you are a person of virtue. You are acquainted with everything. What more should I say? If you think it advisable please write to my father. We do not have a brother, but the two of us are for him more than a son. We become the cause of his sorrow, but that is also because of his deep love for us. For your friend duty is primary, but for me it is love that is primary. I have neither the knowledge nor the intelligence to understand duty. But his duty and my love lead us on the same path. You believe in love. I will meet my Gunial and Kusum in this kantha. Neither of you have any resolution to offer. My sister and I will arrive at a decision which would be the result of our immature and womanly mind. Please support me, and ensure that that decision finds favour with this great ascetic.’ Kumud stood with her eyes cast down, tears rolling down her cheeks. The two friends