The lines on the man's face tightened slightly. The woman said, "It's good. You do your work. We'll go for a walk until then."
"We reached Manmandir. Moonlight was spread over the barge. The man, 'Mohan Babu', went and sat up. The ladder was in place. Manorama seemed afraid to climb. I was standing in the corner of the barge. Extending my hand, I said, 'Please come, there's no fear.' She held my hand." As soon as she came up, she whispered in my ear, 'My husband is being driven crazy. He is somewhat, too, so be a little careful. It's a matter of the boat.'
Deep breath. "I said, 'Don't worry,' but even after going up and sitting down, the fragrant breath of that beautiful face near my ears was giving its sensation." I calmed my mind. The moonlight had come out. Sky lamps were burning at the ghat, and small lamps were also seen flowing in the stream of the Ganges."
"Mohan Babu's large round eyes widened even more." He said, "Manorama, look, do you understand what the meaning of this lamp donation is?"
ka thought 'Worship of Gangaji, what else?' said Manorama.
Mohan babu thinking "This is where you and I differ. It is a sign of letting the small lamp of life flow into the infinite stream. Ah! What a beautiful imagination!" Saying this, Mohan Babu seemed to be overwhelmed. His physical consciousness became excited mixed with mental feeling. Manorama whispered in my ears, "Didn't you see?"
"I was surprised. The barge had reached near Panchganga Ghat. Then, laughing, Manorama said to her husband, 'And what would you call these lamps haImmediately Mohan Babu said- "The sky is also infinite. This is also a sign for the lamp of life to go in that direction.' Then, panting, he began to say- "You people have considered me mad. I know this. Oh! The blows of the world's betrayal have made my heart distraught. They have turned me away from it. No one has helped me in my mental turmoil. Should I die for everyone? Now I cannot tolerate this. I need unadulterated love. I never got that in life! You too Manorama! You too, me-"
Manorama got flustered. She said- "Be quiet, your health is deteriorating, calm down!"
"Why should I calm down? Should I be quiet after seeing Ramnihal? I have no fear if he comes to know, why do you people hide the truth and make it a deceit?" Mohan Babu's breathing quickened. Manorama looked at me desperately. She was becoming motionless like a pure idol in the moonlight.
"I said cautiously- "Boatman, let's turn back now. The Kartik night had become cool with moonlight (the boat turned towards Manmandir). I was thinking about Mohan Babu's mental disorder. After remaining silent for a while, Mohan Babu again started talking to himself- "I know Brajkishore. Manorama, the conspiracy he has hatched with you, the plan being made to make me mad, I understand that. So-""
"Oh! Won't you be quiet? I am telling you. Either remove this useless suspicion from your mind or order arsenic for me. LHaving recovered, Mohan Babu began to speak very gently - 'You are being insulted. I should not say these things in front of everyone. This is my crime. Forgive me, Manorama!' Indeed, Manorama's soft feet were in Mohan Babu's hands. She slipped back, pulling her feet away. Her touch brushed against my body, that agitated and embarrassed woman, as if she was desperate to find shelter. Manorama looked at me pitifully and said, 'You see, don't you?'
Indeed I was watching. The barge was sliding on the strong current of the Ganges. Stars were scattering and a beautiful young woman was seeking my shelter. When that woman, burdened with unbearable suspicion, with all her shame and insult, said 'You see, don't you', it was as if she was praying to me not to look at anything, my sarcastic ridicule was not something to be seen.
I was silent. The barge docked at the ghat. Then the young woman held my hand and got down carefully from the steps. And once, I don't know why, I thought with audacity in my mind that I am blessed. Lohan Babu started climbing up. I was following Manorama. Putting a heavy burden on myself, I was slowly climbing the stairs.
She slowly said to me, "Ramnihalji! Will you not help me in my distress! I was speechless."
Shyama looked at Ramnihal with a deep gaze once. He became silent. Shyama said in a commanding tone, "Is there anything more, or is that all?"
Ramnihal bowed his head and said, "Yes, there is something more."et it be over.""nging in the bamboos?'""I say." I slowly came to know that Brajkishore Babu wanted Mohanlal to be declared insane by the court and Brajkishore to be made the manager of his property, because he was Mohanlal's close relative. God knows what the secret is in this, but the world is running on the business of making a fool of others. Mohan has become completely mad due to his suspicion. The bundle of letters you are seeing, that belongs to Manorama."
Ramnihal stopped again. Shyama looked at him again with a sharp gaze. Ramnihal began to say, "You are also having doubts. That's right. I also have some doubts, why Manorama is calling me at this time."
Now Shyama laughed and said - "So what do you think, that Manorama loves you and she is of bad character?" Fie, Ramnihal, why are you thinking this? Let me see which picture this is in your hand, is it Manorama's?" Saying this, Shyama took the picture from Ramnihal's hand. She said in a voice full of surprise, "Oh, this is mine! So are you being childish to love me? You have got into a nice mess. Manorama loves you and you love me. You have found a good means for the amusement of the mind. That's why you have prepared to run away from here with your belongings like a coward!"
Ramnihal looked at Shyama like a stunned culprit, as if he had no way to escape.
Shyama began to say in a firm voice - "Nihal Babu! It is very difficult to love. You do not know this game. Don't gShe is calling you for her help. Go, help her and come back. Your luggage will remain here. You have to stay here for now. Understood. Right now you need my protection. Get up, take a bath. Take whatever train you find, go to Patna, protect Manorama from Brajkishore's cleverness and then come back to my place. All this was your illusion. It was doubt.
Ramnihal slowly got up and went to batheet into its चक्कर (entanglement) either. Yes, an unhappy woman