Sun and Prerna eventually encounter Indumati as well. Indumati and Prerna were already acquainted; even though this was their first meeting, they had learned a lot about each other. They knew each other because Prerna and Indumati were both extremely talented in their respective fields. Prerna is good with a sword like her father, Rohan, and on the other hand, Indumati is good at politics.
Indumati looks at Prerna and says, "So, you are Prerna. I've heard a lot about you—that you're an excellent swordsman." Prerna responds to Indumati, "Yes, you are correct; my name is Prerna." What a coincidence! I've also heard a lot about you—that you're an accomplished politician and that you advise your father on politics."
Both of them are conversing nearby, completely ignoring Ravi's presence. Indumati asks Prerna if she has found out anything about the pirate who looted and sank the ship. Prerna is surprised and wonders how she could know anything about that. Indumati responds, "Prerna, you forget that I am the daughter of the governor of this city, Bhopal, and I know everything that happens here." Prerna responds, "Yes, you are correct. Could you please help me with this? Indumati says, "I want to help you, but I won't be able to because even I have limitations. However, you can seek assistance from my father, who will assist you."
Indumati abruptly changes the subject, looks at the sun, and inquires, "Is this the sun?" Sun responds, "Yes, I am Sun." Sun and Indumati then speak for a while, during which time Indumati asks Sun some questions. Indumati then recalls something and asks, "Are you also planning to attend and join Nalanda Academy?" Prerna replies, "Yes, she also joined." Indumati smiles and says, "She will also be attending the academy." Perhaps now we will both meet at the academy." Following this, Indumati departs.
Sun asks Prerna about the Nalanda Academy that she and Indumati mentioned. Prerna explains to Sun that Nalanda Academy is a prestigious institution where the children of high-ranking officers, as well as princes and princesses, study. At Nalanda Academy, not only are talented children educated, but they are also taught how to effectively utilize their blessings. Parents do not enroll their children here; rather, many professors at Nalanda personally invite talented and exceptional students. Sun inquires whether students who are not invited by professors can attend the academy. Prerna responds that Sun does not understand—professors directly invite only the most gifted students, while others must undergo a selection process each year by taking an entrance exam.
Sun asks, "Can anyone take the entrance exam?" Prerna replies, "Yes, anyone can take the entrance exam." Sun asks again, "You mentioned that this is a prestigious academy where children of high-ranking officers, princes, and princesses attend. Can children of lower ranks or poor children also attend?" Prerna says, "Yes, poor students can join, but the entrance exam is very difficult, so most poor students don't pass. However, those poor students who do pass are given support and separate arrangements by the academy."
They provide a separate dormitory for poor students, as well as separate classes and professors. Sun claims that this is discrimination, but Prerna questions how this is discrimination when the academy provides everything for poor students. Sun responds that everyone has the right to knowledge, so why are they providing it to them separately? Why don't they do it together with all of the students? Prerna, enraged, tells Sun, "If you don't understand, you should stay quiet. They get the jobs that are right for them, and you get the jobs that are right for you. I don't want to talk about this any further." Sun is perplexed, wondering what happened to Prerna, who used to look at everyone equally, rich or poor. But why is Prerna so upset about something I said today? Surely, something is wrong because Prerna doesn't want to tell me.