Yuri and Lara have been living together for nearly nine months. One day, Yuri arrives home to find Lara in deep discussion with Komarovsky, who claims that the family are in “mortal danger” (316). He has brought a proposition: after being named minister of justice in a breakaway eastern region of Russia, he can protect Lara from Tiverzin and Antipov, both of whom plan to use their legal powers against her and Yuri, according to many recent rumors. Komarovsky offers to take Lara and Yuri to the east with him for their safety. Yuri bluntly refuses. He does not trust Komarovsky, but he believes that Lara and Katenka should do whatever is safest for them. Lara will not go anywhere without Yuri. She also declines the deal. The following day, Yuri and Lara both agree that they should “disappear at once” (320). They decide to go to Varykino. Though Lara is beginning to feel ill, they both feel intensely in love with one another. Lara hints that she may be pregnant, but Yuri believes it to be imaginary.

In winter, Varykino is a desolate place. Lara insists that they not stay in the old Zhivago home out of respect for Yuri's memories.