Chapter 7- The chapter describes a scene of intense heat and impending disaster. The sun in the east is glaring and causing objects to wither and die, while dust clouds in the west signal an approaching storm. The world falls silent in anticipation of a catastrophic clash between the two forces. The heat becomes unbearable, and the narrator feels trapped as the bubble they are in slowly compresses. The lizards and insects seek shelter, and the atmosphere grows restless. The narrator tries to distract herself but finds everything meaningless in the face of the impending disaster. The darkness gradually descends, painting the world in harsh and unreal colors. The pressure and suffocation intensify, and the narrator becomes afraid. She has experienced storms before, but this waiting without any signs of relief is unbearable. The narrator feels a sense of guilt and sees a future of insanity projected before her. She gives up looking out the windows and retreat into darkness. She reflects on her attachments and realize that it is her chain of attachment, not fate, that has led her to this point. The air becomes stifling, and the narrator struggles to breathe. She lashes out in frustration, but it is futile. The end has come, and she is overwhelmed by a rushing wind.
The chapter also describes a dust storm that causes excitement and panic among the servants. The storm is described as a beginning rather than an end, with the narrator finding ecstasy and relief in its destructive power. The storm brings vibrant and intense colors, obliterating the old and making way for the new. The narrator revels in the chaos and destruction, running from window to window to experience it fully. The dust seeps into the house, covering everything and creating a suffocating atmosphere. Eventually, the storm subsides, leaving a sense of exhaustion and peace. The atmosphere becomes still, and the light on the lawn takes on a new and unfamiliar quality. The sparrows chirp companionably, and the narrator feels a faint sense of nostalgia and farewell. The departure of loved ones is acknowledged, but there is no regret or sorrow. The narrator reflects on the relative nature of things and finds peace in the present moment.
The narrator is waiting for Gautama to come home and realizes it is nearly dark. The narrator is no longer bothered by Gautama’s lateness and strange behavior. Gautama seems surprised when he realizes he is home. The narrator tries to make conversation with Gautama about the storm and his day at work. The narrator feels a sense of alienation and resignation in her relationship. Gautama is preoccupied with work and seems unaware of his surroundings. The narrator feels sorry for Gautama and tries to show affection towards him. The narrator reminisces about a dead dog and a past moment of comfort from Gautama. The narrator confesses missing the dog to Gautama, who responds with indifference. The narrator feels hurt by Gautama’s lack of response and bitterness towards him. Gautama asks the narrator to turn on his bath and seems more interested in work than their conversation. The narrator finds solace in running water and tries to maintain a buoyant mood.
The narrator’s husband, Gautama, asks what makes the narrator laugh, and she responds that the sight of a helpless male, like a gibbon, makes her laugh. Gautama mentions that he has not seen a gibbon because his education was limited and he did not have the opportunity to visit the zoo. The narrator observes Gautama preparing for his bath and reflects on their marriage, expressing gratitude for the things Gautama has taught her. They go to the drawing-room and listen to a concert on the radio, but realize it doesn’t start until later. The narrator suggests going up to the roof instead, and Gautama agrees. Before leaving the room, the narrator notices a bronze statue of Shiva and reflects on its symbolism. The narrator remembers a passage in Sanskrit and feels proud of her ability to remember it clearly.
The narrator and Gautama are on the roof, strolling and observing their surroundings. They notice the girls next door practicing the sitar and singing, but they never progress beyond the scales. Gautama seems detached and absorbed in his own thoughts, while the narrator longs for his attention. They continue walking along the edge of the roof, taking in the view of the garden and the night sky. The narrator becomes increasingly exhausted but cannot stop walking. The narrator tries to engage Gautama in conversation, but he is preoccupied with a case involving Krishnan. The narrator reflects on Gautama’s intensity and lack of true living. They turn towards the terraced end and see the rising moon, which captivates the narrator. Gautama inadvertently blocks the narrator’s view of the moon, causing her to become furious. The narrator thrusts her arms towards Gautama, causing him to fall from the roof.
Part III
Chapter I- The house in Lucknow has been opened up after a month of vacancy, in preparation for the arrival of the daughter of the house and two accompanying women. The servants have been summoned to complete their work, but there is an air of scandal and scandalous rumors surrounding the house. The library has been opened, four bedrooms have been prepared, and the old fountain in the garden will not be worked. The mother sits by the window, knitting baby garments for a small orphan in her creche, while the daughter, Nila, tries to make friends with a Pomeranian dog. The clock chimes, and both the mother and Nila look up, waiting for a telegram that hasn’t arrived yet. They discuss the delay in leaving for another week and the number of rooms in the house. They mentions a brother who was never mentioned before and sent him a cable. They both have bitterness but no hatred, and they think about the enigma of Maya, the girl who is upstairs, laughing and exploring the house. Nila suggests that the doctor should have given Maya a pill or sent a nurse to stay with her, but the mother dismisses the stories and believes it was an accident. They discuss the need for secrecy and worry that Maya may have already told others about the incident. Nila mentions that the doctors will have to be told once Maya is there.
Nila, is feeling embarrassed and guilty about something and her mother notices. Nila reveals that she needs to inform the asylum about something when someone is taken there. Her mother reassures her that it won’t harm the person at the asylum and acknowledges the hardship it will bring to their family. Both women are filled with thoughts and distractions about the presence of a girl upstairs who had done something and explained her reasons for it. They try to distract themselves with activities and avoid speaking about the situation. The older woman expresses her concern about how to tell someone, possibly Nila’s father, about the situation. Nila notices a weakness in her mother and struggles with whether to comfort her or keep her distance. They hear footsteps and laughter, followed by a voice calling out in fear. The older woman decides to go to the person who is frightened, and Nila follows her to the door. They both go towards the source of the distress and disappear into the darkness.
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