Daughter Mother, why do you weep Tears in heaps? Manchatura, Gunasundari, Sundargauri and Chandravali sat talking in one tent, while Kumud and Kusum sat in another. Chandravali spoke in one tent and Kumud in the other. They spoke till noon. It was almost lunch time. Chandravali spoke at length about Kumud’s life from her time in Buddhidhan’s house till the morning of that day. Gunasundari felt some solace. She put her worries to rest as she realised that her daughter had not fallen into depravity. She was now concerned about Kumud’s future. They decided to worry about it after lunch. Kumud had not yet finished with her story. She was yet to show Kusum Sarasvatichandra’s account of their combined dreams when they were called for lunch. Kusum sent back a message: ‘All of you eat and send two plates for us.’ Sundargauri came to call them. Kusum came out of the tent and said, ‘Behn has not yet acquired the right to show her face to you. Kaki, send our plates here. We shall eat if we want to; otherwise there are many seeking alms on Sundargiri and they will eat. If Kumudbehn is depraved, Kusum is also depraved; if Kumud is given up for dead, Kusum is also dead! Kaki, I have nothing more to do with you.’ Sundargauri: ‘I have come to call both of you.’

Kusum: ‘It is useless to call anyone without purpose, and one should not go where one has no right to go.’ Sundargauri: ‘We are calling you and that is our right, and the purpose is to eat together.’ Kusum: ‘An invitation without honour and a nameless guest should both be kept at a distance.’ Sundargauri: ‘You will not bend. My Kumud will listen to me. Let me in.’ Kusum: ‘You can come in after we are gone. And don’t make this show of calling her “My Kumud.”’ Sundargauri pushed Kusum aside and entered the tent. Kumud came forward. They embraced and wept. Sundargauri held Kumud close to her heart. They sat down side by side. Kusum stood at some distance, not concealing her irritation. No one spoke for some time. Finally Sundargauri said, ‘Kumud, we have given you immense suffering, haven’t we?’ Kumud: ‘No, Kaki. I am very happy here among the ascetics. But I gave you all a cause of concern by coming out alive.’ Sundargauri: ‘Daughter, let us forget the past. Chandravali has half filled Bhabhi’s heart with nectar, and the rest is for the two of you to fill. No one will eat without you. If you want I will send your Gunial, but she has sent me here so please come with me.’ Kumud: ‘I had my meal with my ascetic companions. I have come to ascertain whether my being alive is a source of pain or pleasure for you.’ Sundargauri: ‘That we shall deal with later. Right now just come with me. Surely you are not as hard as Kusum.’ Kumud: ‘Whatever you wish. Behn, let us