Chapter 4 Summary

In the third part of Nikhil's Story, Nikhil becomes depressed and heart-broken as he realizes he is losing Bimala to Sandip who is not a better man than he is. He decides he must not torture himself. As he readies for bed, a star shines through the window, making Nikhil believe his love is true. He goes to see Bimala, kissing her forehead. The Bara Rani chides him to go to bed since she cannot bear the worry on his face. He takes the dust from her feet before heading to bed.

In the seventh part of Bimala's Story, Bimala suspects nothing at first, feeling only the blissful surrender in dedication to her country, but Sandip feels the need to reveal himself, and his voice becomes intimate with passion. Bimala's feeling of worship passes away, and she ceases to even respect him.

In...