Chapter 6 Summary

In the eighth part of Nikhil's Story, Panchu is fined for selling foreign cloth, and though the cloth was burned in front of witnesses, including Sandip, none will bear him witness should he lodge a complaint. Nikhil and Sandip argue about the importance of truth, but they do not come to an agreement. Nikhil buys Panchu's holding that day, and the trouble begins when an aunt appears, laying claim to a life interest in all he has. Panchu has never heard of his uncle's second wife, but the facts are supposedly known by his zamindar, Harish Kundu, making it obvious that Harish Kundu is trying to eject Panchu from his holding. As Nikhil's Story continues, Nikhil is startled when Bimala sends for him for the first time in a long time. He goes to the room silently and looks at her enquiringly. When...