lifted him up higher and higher every day. He is now a Zemindar. He has now got a palatial house of his own and is known all over the country. Sundari's palanquin entered into his mansion. On her arrival there, Rupashi made a respectful bow to her sister and conducted her in, with much cordiality. Pratap came there and greeted his sister-in-law warmly.
Afterwards Pratap, at an opportune moment, asked Sundari all about Bedagram. After other topics, he made enquiries about Chandra Shekhar.
"I have come here only to tell you all about Chandra Shekhar. Just hear me", said Sundari and then narrated in minute details all the circumstances relating to the disappearance of Chandra Shekhar and Shaibalini. Pratap was struck dumb in surprise.
Raising his head a little after, he said to Sundari in a rather harsh tone, "Why did you not inform me of this so long?"
Sundari. Why, for what good?
Pratap. For what good! You are a woman—I will not boast of my powers before you. I could be of some help, if I had been informed.
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