Chapter 11: XI

XI Bimala’s Story XX With Amulya’s departure my heart sank within me. On what perilous adventure had I sent this only son of his mother? O God, why need my expiation have such pomp and circumstance? Could I not be allowed to suffer alone without inviting all this multitude to share my punishment? Oh, let not this innocent child fall victim to Your wrath. I called him back—“Amulya!” My voice sounded so feebly, it failed to reach him. I went up to the door and called …