On such a night the fastenings of the human mind
are shaken loose.
Come and occupy my house, Visri, old fellow, said
Satish. And after Satishs death, the wholeproperty was to be applied for the benefit
of that community.
Damini softly went up and sat down on the
pavement.
We each took Satish by onehand and brought him
along with us back to Calcutta.
Withoutconsulting me, Damini sent them packing the
very next day.
Hence tussore silk is deemed specially suitable for
wear on occasionsof divine worship. With it, as dower, Iwas able to come to you.
This anxiety of Daminis stung me like ahornet, leaving behind the smart of anger.
But noless was the skill which did away with all doubt as to the
intention.
Satish looked at her inquiringly, but made no
reply.
What Satish waspursuing was fire indeed, no
will-o-the-wisp. You swore you would not go to him with food any more.
How we got the house out of Harimohans clutches is
a long story.
Damini went back to her own room and sat long on
the threshold. Next morning, what a changed Damini met my eyes!
I am argumentative by nature, and could not give in
so easily. We hurried after Damini, but when we arrived his wife wasdead. Damini had
never been so exercised by his indifference as she now wasby his solicitude.
Happiness I certainly hoped for,but I did not arrogate to myself the right to claim
it. But it was all very well for him to say: Come and occupymy house.
Then, as shebowed low again to take the dust of his
feet, she repeated, I willsin no more. But I had not adjusted myself to thedomestic
world, like a foot in a comfortable old shoe.
Damini clasped her hands as she said imploringly: I
have accepted youas my guru. We can stay for a time in that dilapidated house onthe
river-side. Yourconcern for me is only punishing yourself.