Eyesore/Chapter 35
XXXV
The impossible becomes possible, the unbearable gets to be borne, else that night could never have been gone through in Mahendra's household. Mahendra after leaving Binodini, had written a letter that same night. The letter reached the house by the morning's post.
Asha, completely prostrated, was still lying on the floor-bed. The servant boy coming up called out, "Mother, a letter." The blood went to Asha's heart with a sudden thump. In the twinkling of an eye a thousand hopes and fears surged through her breast. She raised herself with an effort and took the letter.
On it was Binodini's name in Mahendra's handwriting. Her head fell back on the pillow—she returned the letter to the boy without a word.
"To whom shall I take the letter?" he asked.
"I don't know!" murmured Asha.
At about eight o'clock in the evening Mahendra rushed stormily into the house and stopped at the door of Binodini's room. There was no light in the room—everything was pitch dark. Mahendra struck a match and found the room empty. Binodini was not there, neither were her things. He went out into the south balcony, it was deserted. He called out "Binod!" There was no reply.
"What a fool I've been, what an utter fool! I should have taken her away with me then. Mother must have said something which has driven her away." No sooner had this thought occurred to him than he felt it must be true. In his agitation he went straight into his mother's room. That was also unlighted, but even in the dark it could be made out that Rajlakshmi was stretched on her bed. "What have you said to Binodini, mother?" was the angry Mahendra's abrupt inquiry.
Rajlakshmi.—"I've said nothing."
Mahendra.—"Then where is she."
Rajlakshmi.—"How can I tell?"
"You can't tell?" he sneered. "Very well I'm going after her. Wherever she may be, I'll find her." And Mahendra was off.
Rajlakshmi hastily left her bed and rushed after him crying, "Mahin, Mahin, don't go away like that, Mahin, just listen to a word from me."
But Mahendra was out of the house in a breath. In another second he was back at the door asking the porter: "Where is the young mistress?"
"I don't know, Sir, she didn't tell us where she was going."
"You dont know!" shouted Mahendra in his rage.
"No, Sir, I don't."
"Mother must have told them what to say," thought Mahendra. "Never mind, we'll see." He was then lost in the crowd in the gas-light-spotted night.