The Home and the World

After Amulya leaves, Bimala calls him back. When he returns, Sandip is with him. He begins making speeches and threats, but this time Bimala mocks him for his empty words and stagecraft. He is humiliated and, for the first time, cannot think of anything to say. Nikhil enters the room, and says that he is going to Calcutta the next day, and Sandip is going with him. If Sandip refuses, he will make it happen forcibly. Sandip turns to Bimala and tells her at great length how much he adores her, and names all of her qualities that inspired his devotion. She is conflicted. Her earlier disgust melts in the passion of his words. She wonders if she was wrong about him.

Rani comes to Bimala while she is making cakes for Amulya. Rani tells her about the treasury raid, and Bimala is relieved. It was their money that was stolen. Bimala goes to her dressing room. She has told Rani, falsely, that today is her birthday. In her dressing room, she receives a message from Amulya, who says he will visit that afternoon after attending to their business.