The chapter titled "The Narayanpur Incident" by Shashi Deshpande is set during the Quit India Movement in August 1942 and follows the activities of a family involved in the freedom struggle. Here is a point-wise summary of the events:

• Family Context and Setting: After their father is imprisoned, Babu and Manju move to the small town of Narayanpur with their mother. Their older brother, Mohan, is active in the independence movement and is working with a friend named Suman.
• The Silent Procession: Babu and Manju watch a protest march where college students walk in complete silence to the collector’s office. Unlike typical protests, there are no slogans or shouting; Mohan explains that this was a strategic choice to avoid giving the police an excuse to beat or arrest them,.
• A Declaration of War: During the march, the students serve a notice to the collector, representing the British government, demanding they "quit India or face the consequences". Mohan views this not just as a protest, but as a formal declaration of war.
• The Cyclostyling Machine: Late that night, Suman and another boy bring a cyclostyling machine—hidden in a large parcel—to the house. They hide it in the puja room to secretly make copies of Mahatma Gandhi’s speech,. Babu is tasked with keeping watch outside for any visitors.
• Patil’s Warning: A Sub-Inspector named Patil, who was a school friend of the children's father, arrives unexpectedly. He warns the family that the "Sahebs" (British officials) have heard rumors about the cyclostyling machine and plan to search the house that night.
• Amma's Decision: Although Mohan is suspicious of a policeman's motives, Amma decides to trust Patil,. She instructs Mohan and Suman to hand over the machine and the materials to Patil so he can smuggle them to safety before the search party arrives.
• The Final Confrontation: Shortly after Patil and the machine are gone, the house is woken by a loud, authoritative knock. This time, it is the official police search party, and the story ends as the family prepares to face the consequences of their involvement in the movement.