The old retainer reached the fort and, hearing that both the Rajas (Surendra Singh and Virendra Singh) were sitting together, he presented himself before Maharaj Surendra Singh and Virendra Singh. He reported the disappearance of Kunwar Indrajeet Singh and the reasons for it, as heard from Kunwar Anand Singh.
Hearing this news, both felt a sudden, sharp pain in their hearts. For a short while, due to shock and anxiety, they could not decide what to do. The night had also passed more than one pahar (over three hours). Finally, they summoned Jeet Singh, Tej Singh, and Devi Singh, recounted everything they had heard from the retainer, and asked what should be done now.
Tej Singh: The gathering of so many women in that jungle, singing and playing music, and then deceiving the Kunwars is not without reason.
Surendra Singh: Since I heard the news of Shivdutt regrouping, a slight apprehension has remained. I believe this is also his mischief.
Virendra Singh: The two boys are not so weak that anyone who desires can capture them.
Surendra Singh: That's true, but Anand also remaining behind is unfortunate.
Tej Singh: The poor retainer went along forcibly, otherwise, we wouldn't even know where they both went. Well, think whatever you must about them, but grant me permission immediately. I will take a thousand soldiers and go there, surrounding that small jungle from all sides right now. Then we will see what happens.
Surendra Singh: (To Jeet Singh) What is your opinion?
Jeet Singh: Tej is right. He should go right away.
🚨 The Search Begins
As soon as the order was given, Tej Singh climbed up to the turret above the Diwan Khana (Minister's Hall), where a large Nakkara (kettle-drum) was kept, along with a heavy drumstick, for use whenever an emergency arose and the army needed to be mobilized instantly. The sound of this drum was unique, unlike any other, and Tej Singh had designated several signals for beating it.
Tej Singh picked up the drumstick and struck the nakkara forcefully once, the sound of which echoed throughout the city and even far beyond. Although the reason for the sound may not have been clear to the townsfolk, the Commander-in-Chief understood that a thousand soldiers were needed immediately, and he arranged for them very quickly.
Tej Singh prepared his gear, exited the fort, and set off toward that small jungle with a thousand soldiers and many Mashaalchis (torchbearers), reaching the location very quickly.
He surrounded the jungle from all sides, setting up patrols at short distances. Indrajeet Singh was already missing, and many attempts were made to find Anand Singh, but he was also nowhere to be found. They spent the night in anxiety.
As soon as morning broke, Tej Singh ordered, 'Start cutting down this jungle rapidly from one side so that the entire area is cleared within the day.'
At that very moment, Maharaj Surendra Singh and Jeet Singh also arrived there. They too favored cutting down the jungle and said, 'It would be very good if we could be completely rid of this jungle.'
It wouldn't take long to cut down this small jungle, especially with the Maharaj's urgency, as everyone present seemed to be engaged in felling the trees. By noon, the jungle was cut down and cleared, but no one was found. Consequently, they had to conclude that Anand Singh had also disappeared, just like Indrajeet Singh.
However, at the end of this jungle, the dead body (laash) of a young, beautiful woman, adorned in expensive clothes and jewelry, was found, but her head was missing.
This corpse was brought before Maharaj Surendra Singh. Everyone's distress intensified, and various thoughts began to arise. Reluctantly, they returned toward the city with the body.
Jeet Singh said, 'We are leaving. We will send Tara Singh to recall all the aiyars who went to look into Shivdutt's matter, and then we will send them to search for Indrajeet Singh and Anand Singh. However, you should leave immediately for your own search, wherever your heart directs you.'
Tej Singh was already prepared with his gear. He saluted immediately and set off in one direction, while the Maharaj wiped his eyes with a handkerchief and departed for Chunar.
Grief and Confusion
Distressed and saddened by the separation from his grandsons, Maharaj Surendra Singh reached home. Chandrakantaalso heard the news of the two boys' disappearance. Being well-acquainted with the joys and sorrows of the world, she suppressed her grief and chose not to cry or wail openly. However, doing so further harmed her delicate heart, and her face changed within an hour.
You all know well the affection that Chapla and Champa had for Chandrakanta, so there is no need to write about it. The grief of the two boys' disappearance was greater for these two than for Chandrakanta, and both resolved that they would try to find Indrajeet Singh and Anand Singh when they got the chance.
Hearing the news of Maharaj Surendra Singh's arrival, Virendra Singh went to meet him. Devi Singh was also present. In front of Virendra Singh, the Maharaj recounted everything to Devi Singh and asked, 'What should be done now?'
Devi Singh: I want to see the corpse that was found in the jungle first.
Surendra Singh: Yes, you must see it.
Jeet Singh: (To the Chobdar) Order the corpse found in the jungle to be brought here.
'Very well,' said the chobdar and left, but he returned shortly and said, 'The corpse that was accompanying the Maharaj on the way here has somehow disappeared. Several men are searching anxiously, but it cannot be found!'
Virendra Singh: It seems the time has come for us to be cautious again. Since the corpse disappeared from amidst thousands of men, it appears that much more trouble is brewing.
Jeet Singh: I thought that whatever little life was left would be spent in peace, but no, no one should hold such hope anymore.
Surendra Singh: Well, we shall see what happens. Think about what is appropriate to do right now.
Jeet Singh: My initial thought was to send Tara Singh to Badrinath and the others so that they would rescue Bhairo Singh and not get involved in any other action, but come straight back. However, I no longer feel like doing even that. Bear with the worry for one more day. I will think carefully and give my opinion tomorrow.