When the villagers saw Hiramani so
thick with the Basu ladies, they prophesied ill-luck for the family,
and on learning Jadu Babu's resolve they remarked that the old woman
had not belied her reputation. As for Nalini, he knew that something
was in the wind, but carefully avoided broaching the subject to his
brother, lest he should widen the breach. Like a sacrificial goat, he
waited for the stroke to fall on his devoted head. Shortly afterwards,
Jadu Babu told his wife to make arrangements for setting up a separate
establishment. Her heart leapt for joy. She cooked twice the number of
dishes usually prepared for her husband's midday meal, and anxiously
waited for him in her kitchen.
Jadu Babu went about his duties as usual, never mentioning the coming
separation to Nalini. After bathing at 11 A.M. he took Nalini into the
latter's kitchen, and asked his sister-in-law to give them something
to eat. The pair sat down to a hastily-prepared repast, Jadu Babu
chatting and joking with his brother according to his wont. After
dinner he took his betel box and adjourned to the parlour for
rumination and a siesta. Nalini and his wife were surprised by Jadu
Babu's behaviour. They dared not ask him why he had invited himself
to eat with them, but waited anxiously for further developments.
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