Grah Daah Story– Novel by Premchand
1.The Festival of Satyaprakash’s Birth (“Grih Daah” story by Munshi Premchand)
“Grih Daah” story by Munshi Premchand: Lala Devprakash spent a lot of money on the celebration of Satyaprakash’s birth. His Vidyarambh Sanskar (initiation into education) was also done with great pomp. He had a small carriage for his outings. A servant would take him for walks in the evenings, and another servant would escort him to school, staying there all day and bringing him back home. He was such a well-behaved and promising child! With a fair face, large eyes, a high forehead, thin red lips, and well-shaped feet, he was a child who could make anyone exclaim, “May God keep him alive; he will become a great man!” People marveled at his sharp intellect and physical strength. A smile always played on his face, and no one had ever seen him throw a tantrum or cry.
It was the rainy season. Devprakash had gone to bathe in the Ganges with his wife, Nirmala. The river was swollen, resembling the eyes of an orphan. Nirmala started playing in the water, going forward and backward, sometimes diving, sometimes splashing water with her hands. Devprakash said, “Come out now, you’ll catch a cold.” Nirmala replied, “Shall I go up to my chest in the water?”
Devprakash: “What if you slip?”
Nirmala: “Why would I slip?”
Saying this, she ventured into the water up to her chest. Her husband warned her not to go any further, but fate had other plans. This was not a playful splash but a dance with death. She took another step forward and slipped. A scream escaped her lips, her hands reached out for support, and then she submerged. In a moment, the thirsty river swallowed her. Devprakash, who had been drying himself with a towel, immediately jumped into the water, followed by a servant and two boatmen. They all dived in, searching for her, but there was no trace of Nirmala. They then called for a boat, and the boatman dived several times, but he couldn’t find her body. Devprakash returned home, engulfed in sorrow. Satyaprakash ran up to him, expecting a gift. Devprakash lifted him into his arms, but despite his best efforts, he couldn’t hold back his sobs. Satyaprakash asked, “Where is Amma?”
Devprakash: “Son, the Ganga invited her to stay.”
Satyaprakash looked at his father with a curious expression and understood the meaning. Crying out, “Amma! Amma!” he burst into tears.
2. The Orphaned Child (“Grih Daah” story by Munshi Premchand)
An orphaned child is the most pitiful being in the world. Even the most destitute creatures have the support of God, who consoles their hearts. But an orphaned child is deprived of even this support. A mother is the only foundation of their life. Without her, they are like a bird without wings.
Satyaprakash developed a love for solitude. He would sit alone, finding some unknown sympathy in the trees that he couldn’t find in the people at home. When his mother was alive, everyone loved him. But after her passing, they all became indifferent. Even his father’s eyes no longer held that loving light. Who gives alms to the poor?
Six months passed. One day, Satyaprakash learned that a new mother was coming. He ran to his father and asked, “Will my new mother come?”
Griha Daah (Hindi Story) : Munshi Premchand
His father replied, “Yes, son, she will come and love you.”
Satyaprakash: “Will my real mother return from heaven?”
Devprakash: “Yes, she will.”
Satyaprakash: “Will she love me the same way?”
Devprakash didn’t know how to respond. But from that day, Satyaprakash became happy again. He thought, “Mother will come! She will take me in her arms and love me! I will never trouble her, never be stubborn, and I will tell her good stories.”
The days of the wedding arrived, and preparations began at home. Satyaprakash was overjoyed. “My new mother will come!” He went with the wedding procession, dressed in new clothes. His grandmother called him inside, took him in her lap, and gave him a gold coin. There, he saw his new mother for the first time. His grandmother said to the new mother, “Daughter, what a beautiful child! You must love him.”
Satyaprakash saw his new mother and was captivated. Children, too, are worshipers of beauty. A graceful figure, adorned with jewels, stood before him. He grabbed her dress with both hands and said, “Amma!”
How distasteful, how embarrassing, how unpleasant that word was! The young woman, who was addressed as Devpriya, couldn’t bear the weight of such responsibility, renunciation, and forgiveness. She was still in the dreamy state of youthful indulgence, swayed by the intoxicating waves of youth. This word shattered her dream. Annoyed, she said, “Don’t call me Amma.”
Satyaprakash looked at her with astonished eyes. His childhood dream was shattered. His eyes welled up with tears. His grandmother said, “Daughter, the boy’s heart is broken. What does he know? He just called you Amma. Why did it bother you so much?”
गृह दाह (कहानी) : मुंशी प्रेमचंद
Devpriya replied, “I don’t want him to call me Amma.”
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Why does a stepchild irk a stepmother so much? Even the greatest experts in psychology have not been able to determine this. How could we? As long as Devpriya wasn’t pregnant, she sometimes talked to Satyaprakash and told him stories. But as soon as she became pregnant, her behavior grew harsh, and as her delivery date approached, her harshness increased. The day she gave birth to a moon-like baby, Satyaprakash was full of joy and ran to the birthing room to see the child. The baby was sleeping in Devpriya’s lap. Satyaprakash eagerly tried to take the baby from his stepmother’s lap, but Devpriya scolded him sternly, “Don’t you dare touch him, or I’ll twist your ear!”
The child turned away and went to the rooftop, where he cried his heart out. “What a beautiful baby! How nice it would be to hold him in my arms! I wouldn’t drop him. Then why did she scold me?” The innocent child didn’t know that the scolding was not due to his stepmother’s caution but something else entirely.
One day, the baby, named Gyanprakash, was sleeping. Devpriya was in the bathhouse. Satyaprakash quietly came in, removed the baby’s blanket, and looked at him with loving eyes. He longed to take him in his arms but didn’t dare; he simply kissed his cheeks. At that moment, Devpriya emerged. Seeing Satyaprakash kissing the baby, she became furious and shouted from afar, “Get away from there!”
Satyaprakash looked at his mother with pitiful eyes and walked out.
In the evening, his father asked, “Why do you always make Lalla cry?”
Satyaprakash: “I never make him cry. Amma doesn’t let me play with him.”
Devprakash: “You’re lying. Today, you pinched the baby.”
Satyaprakash: “No, I was just tickling him.”
Devprakash: “You’re lying!”
Satyaprakash: “I’m not lying.”
Devprakash became angry and slapped the boy two or three times. It was the first time he had been punished, and unjustly so! This event changed his life completely.
3. A Change in Satyaprakash
From that day on, Satyaprakash’s behavior underwent a strange transformation. He hardly ever came home. When his father arrived, he would hide from him. If someone called him to eat, he would sneak in like a thief, eat quickly, and leave without saying anything. Earlier, he had been extremely intelligent, and people admired his cleanliness, orderliness, and quickness. Now, he shirked studying, wore dirty clothes, and had no one at home who loved him. He wandered the streets with local boys, stealing kites and learning to swear. His body became weak, and the radiance of his face disappeared. Devprakash now received complaints about his mischief daily, and Satyaprakash was constantly scolded and slapped. If he came home for any reason, everyone would shoo him away. A tutor came to teach Gyanprakash. Devprakash took him on walks every day. He was a cheerful boy. Devpriya also kept him away from Satyaprakash. There was a stark difference between the two boys! One was clean, well-dressed, a model of humility and truthfulness. People couldn’t help but bless him when they saw him. The other was dirty, mischievous, hiding his face like a thief, and quick to swear. One was a flourishing plant, nourished by love and affection. The other was a dry, stunted sapling that hadn’t received water in ages. One made his father’s heart swell with pride; the other set his body on fire.
The surprising thing was that Satyaprakash felt no jealousy towards his younger brother. If any tender feeling remained in his heart, it was affection for his brother. This was the only greenery in that barren land. Jealousy is a sign of equality. Satyaprakash saw his brother as far superior and more fortunate than himself. The feeling of jealousy had vanished from him.
Hatred begets hatred. Love begets love. Gyanprakash also loved his older brother. Sometimes, he would argue with his mother, saying, “Brother’s jacket is torn; why don’t you get him a new one?” His mother would reply, “That jacket is fine for him. One day, he’ll be left with nothing to wear.” Gyanprakash wanted to save money from his pocket allowance to give to his brother, but Satyaprakash never accepted it. In fact, the time he spent with his younger brother was the only time he felt a peaceful joy. For a little while, he wandered in the kingdom of goodwill. No harsh or unpleasant words came from his mouth. For a moment, his dormant soul awakened.
Once, Satyaprakash didn’t go to school for several days. His father asked, “Why haven’t you been studying? Do you think I’ll take care of you for life?”
Satyaprakash: “I owe fines and fees. If I go, I’ll be kicked out of class.”
Devprakash: “Why are the fees unpaid? Don’t you get money every month?”
Satyaprakash: “There are frequent collections for various causes. I used the fees to contribute.”
Devprakash: “Why did you get fined?”
Satyaprakash: “For not paying the fees.”
Devprakash: “Why did you contribute?”
Satyaprakash: “Gyan contributed, so I did too.”
Devprakash: “Are you jealous of Gyan?”
Satyaprakash: “Why would I be jealous of Gyan? At home, we are different, but outside, we are seen as one. I’m not saying I have nothing.”
Devprakash: “Why are you ashamed to say that?”
Satyaprakash: “Yes, because it would bring shame to you.”
Devprakash: “So you protect my honor? Why don’t you just say that you don’t want to study anymore? I don’t have the money to keep you in the same class for three years and also give you a monthly allowance. Gyan is much younger than you, but he’s only one grade below you. You’ll definitely fail this year, and he’ll pass and be in the same class as you next year. Then you’ll be humiliated!”
Satyaprakash: “Education isn’t in my destiny.”
Devprakash: “What is in your destiny?”
Satyaprakash: “Begging.”
Devprakash: “Then go beg! Get out of my house!”
Devpriya joined the conversation. “He isn’t even ashamed, and he talks back!”
Satyaprakash: “Those destined to beg are orphaned in childhood.”
Devpriya: “I can’t bear to hear these bitter words anymore. I’m swallowing my anger.”
Devprakash: “He’s shameless. I’ll have him removed from school tomorrow. Let him beg if he wants to.”
4. Leaving Home
The next day, Satyaprakash prepared to leave home. He was now 16 years old. After hearing so many harsh words, he could no longer tolerate staying in that house. When he was younger and helpless, he had endured neglect, scorn, cruelty, and scolding, but now that he was older and capable, why should he stay in that bondage? Self-respect is as enduring as hope.
It was a hot summer afternoon, and everyone in the house was asleep. Satyaprakash tucked his dhoti under his arm, took a small bag in his hand, and was about to slip out of the sitting room when Gyanprakash appeared. Seeing his brother ready to leave, he asked, “Where are you going, brother?”
Satyaprakash: “I’m leaving to find a job.”
Gyanprakash: “I’ll tell mother.”
Satyaprakash: “Then I’ll leave without you knowing.”
Gyanprakash: “Why are you leaving? Don’t you love me at all?”
Satyaprakash hugged his brother and said, “I don’t want to leave you, but it’s shameless to stay where no one cares. I’ll find a job and keep myself fed. What else am I good for?”
Gyanprakash: “Why does mother dislike you so much? She tells me not to meet you.”
Satyaprakash: “My fate is unfortunate, that’s all.”
Gyanprakash: “You don’t like studying.”
Satyaprakash: “I just can’t focus. When no one cares, I think, ‘So what if I stumble? No big deal.’”
Gyanprakash: “You won’t forget me, will you? I’ll write to you. Please call me to visit you once.”
Satyaprakash: “I’ll write to you at your school address.”
Gyanprakash: “I don’t know why I feel so much love for you!”
Satyaprakash: “I’ll always remember you.”
With that, he hugged his brother again and left home. He didn’t have a single penny with him, and he was headed to Calcutta.
5. Reaching Calcutta
There’s no point in writing about how Satyaprakash reached Calcutta. Young people are often more daring. They can build castles in the air and sail boats on the ground. They don’t care about difficulties; they have boundless confidence in themselves. Reaching Calcutta wasn’t that difficult. Satyaprakash was a clever young man. He had already decided what he would do in Calcutta and where he would stay. His bag contained writing materials. In a big city, the question of livelihood can be both easy and hard. It’s easy for those who can work with their hands and hard for those who work with their minds. Satyaprakash considered manual labor beneath him. He kept his belongings in a dharamshala and later went to inspect the city’s main areas. He then set up a small writing station in front of a post office, where he started writing letters and money orders for illiterate laborers. The first few days, he didn’t even earn enough to fill his stomach, but gradually, his income increased. He spoke to the laborers with such humility and wrote their letters with such detail that they were pleased. Illiterate people like to have the same thing written two or three times, just like patients who never tire of telling the doctor about their ailments. Satyaprakash would turn a simple sentence into an elaborate explanation, delighting the laborers. One satisfied customer would bring several more. Within a month, he started earning one rupee a day. He moved out of the dharamshala and rented a small room outside the city for five rupees a month. He ate one meal a day, washed his own dishes, and slept on the floor. He had no regrets or sorrow about his exile. He never thought about the people at home. He was content with his situation. Only Gyanprakash’s loving words stayed with him. In the darkness, this was his only light. The final scene of their parting would often replay in his mind. With his livelihood secure, he wrote to Gyanprakash. When he received a reply, his joy knew no bounds. Gyan missed him and wanted to come to him. His health wasn’t good either. The letter brought him the same satisfaction a thirsty person feels when they drink water. He realized he wasn’t alone—someone still cared about him, someone still remembered him.
From that day on, Satyaprakash became concerned about sending a gift to Gyan. Young people make friends easily. Satyaprakash also made friends with several young men. He went to the cinema with them several times and even indulged in drinking, smoking, and other vices. He also developed a taste for looking good, spending whatever he earned. He was rapidly descending into moral decay and physical destruction. But that letter pulled him back. The thought of sending a gift began to dispel his bad habits. He lost interest in the cinema and started avoiding his friends. He even began to eat frugally. The desire to save money overpowered all other desires. He decided to send a good watch, which would cost at least forty rupees. If he didn’t spend a single penny for three months, he could afford the watch. Gyan would be so happy to see it! His parents would see it too. They would know that he wasn’t starving. Obsessed with frugality, he often didn’t even light a lamp. He would go to work early in the morning and spend the entire day eating just a few sweets. The number of his customers increased day by day. In addition to writing letters, he also learned to send telegrams. Within two months, he had saved fifty rupees. When he sent the parcel containing the watch with a gold chain to Gyan, his heart was so full of joy that it felt like a childless man had become a father.
6. Memories of Home
Home awakens so many tender, sacred memories! It is the abode of love. Love has earned this blessing through great sacrifice.
In adolescence, home reminds us of the love of parents, siblings, and friends. In adulthood, it reminds us of the love of a spouse and children. This is the wave that keeps human life stable, preventing it from being swept away by the strong currents of the ocean and from crashing against rocks. This is the pavilion that protects life from all obstacles.
Where was Satyaprakash’s home? What force protected him from the great temptations of Calcutta—his mother’s love, his father’s affection, concern for his children? No, the protector and savior of his life, his reward, was only Gyanprakash’s love. For him, he saved every penny, worked hard, and thought of new ways to earn money. From Gyanprakash’s letters, he learned that Devprakash’s financial situation wasn’t good. They were building a house, and the expenses had exceeded the estimate, forcing them to take loans. As a result, they could no longer afford a tutor for Gyanprakash. Since then, Satyaprakash had been sending something to Gyanprakash every month. By now, he wasn’t just a letter-writer but had also opened a small stationery shop, which earned him a good income. Five years passed in this way. When his friends saw that he no longer indulged in their vices, they stopped visiting him.
7. The Turning Point
It was evening. Devprakash was sitting in his house, discussing Gyanprakash’s marriage with Devpriya. Gyan was now a handsome young man of seventeen. Despite being against child marriage, Devprakash could no longer postpone this auspicious occasion, especially when a gentleman was offering a dowry of fifty thousand rupees.
Devprakash: “I’m ready, but your son also has to be ready!”
Devpriya: “You finalize the arrangements; he’ll agree. All boys hesitate at first.”
Devprakash: “Gyan’s refusal isn’t just out of shyness; it’s a principled refusal. He’s clearly saying that he won’t agree to marry until his elder brother is married.”
Devpriya: “Who cares about him? He must have kept a mistress somewhere; why would he marry? Who’s there to check?”
Devprakash: “(Frustrated) If he had a mistress, he wouldn’t be sending forty rupees a month and all those things he’s been sending from the very first month till now. I don’t know why your heart is so hardened against him! Even if he were to sacrifice his life, you wouldn’t soften.” Devpriya stormed off. Devprakash had hoped that she would agree that it was better to arrange Satyaprakash’s marriage first, but she never let that topic arise. Devprakash himself also wished to marry off his elder son first, but he had never written to Satyaprakash. After Devpriya left, he wrote a letter to Satyaprakash for the first time, apologizing for the long silence and urging him to come home. He wrote, “I don’t have much time left. My wish is to see you and your younger brother married. It would be a great sorrow for me if you didn’t accept my request.” He also mentioned Gyanprakash’s dilemma and emphasized that if not for any other reason, Satyaprakash should do it out of love for Gyan.
When Satyaprakash received the letter, he was deeply saddened. He hadn’t realized that his brotherly love would have this effect. At the same time, he felt a malicious satisfaction that his mother and father would now feel some mental anguish. “They didn’t care about me; they wouldn’t shed a tear even if I died. Now they’ll get a taste of their own medicine. Gyanprakash will eventually agree to marry, but not easily. At least I have the opportunity to write a refusal.” Gyan loves me, but I won’t commit the family injustice. Our family life is completely unjust. This delusion and animosity sow the seeds of cruelty and brutality. Caught in this illusion, people become enemies of their own children. I won’t turn a blind eye to this. I’ll explain it to Gyan. I’ll even give him all the money I’ve saved for his wedding. But that’s all I can do. If Gyan remains unmarried, will the world become desolate? As the son of such a father, should he not continue the family line? Will his life repeat the same drama that destroyed mine?”
The next day, Satyaprakash sent five hundred rupees to his father and replied to the letter, saying, “I am honored that you remembered me. Congratulations on Gyan’s marriage! Please use this money to buy jewelry for the new bride. As for my marriage, considering what I’ve seen and what I’ve experienced, if I get entangled in family life, I would be the biggest fool in the world. I hope you’ll forgive me. Just the mention of marriage pains my heart.”
He wrote another letter to Gyanprakash, saying, “Respect our parents’ wishes. I am an uneducated, foolish man, unworthy of marriage. I may not be able to attend your wedding, but nothing would bring me more joy and satisfaction.”
8. The Aftermath
Devprakash was left speechless after reading this. He didn’t have the courage to insist further. Devpriya, with a sneer, said, “That boy seems innocent but is full of venom! Look at how he’s stabbing us from a hundred miles away!”
But when Gyanprakash read the letter, he was deeply hurt. “It’s because of father and mother’s injustice that he’s taken this severe vow. They’ve exiled him, possibly forever. I don’t know why mother harbored such jealousy towards him. Now I remember that since childhood, he was very obedient, humble, and serious. I never heard him talk back to mother. I always ate the best food, but he never showed any bitterness, even though he should have. If he’s now disgusted with family life, it’s no surprise. Why should I fall into the same trap? Who knows if I’ll face the same situation? Brother has thought it through.”
In the evening, when his parents were discussing this issue, Gyanprakash said, “I’ll go meet brother tomorrow.”
Devpriya: “Will you go to Calcutta?”
Gyan: “Yes.”
Devpriya: “Why don’t you call him here?”
Gyan: “With what face should I call him? You’ve already blackened my face. Such a noble man is suffering abroad because of you, and I should be shameless enough to…”
Devpriya: “Alright, keep quiet. You don’t want to get married, so don’t. But stop rubbing salt in my wounds! As your mother, it’s my duty to tell you, but I couldn’t care less whether you marry or stay single. Just get out of my sight!”
Gyan: “Do you even hate the sight of me now?”
Devpriya: “If you don’t listen to us, then go wherever you want. We’ll consider it as if God never gave us a son.”
Devprakash: “Why are you using such harsh words for no reason?”
Gyan: “If this is what you want, then that’s what will happen.” Devprakash saw that the situation was escalating. He gestured for Gyan to leave and tried to calm his wife’s anger. But Devpriya was crying uncontrollably, repeatedly saying, “I won’t look at his face again.” Finally, Devprakash snapped, “You provoked him with your harsh words!”
Devpriya: “All this venom was planted by that wretch sitting across the seven seas, plotting to ruin me. He’s pretending to love my son just to take him away from me. I know his tricks inside out. This spell of his will take my life. Otherwise, why would Gyan, who never talked back to me, burn me like this?”
Devprakash: “Oh, so what? Won’t he get married? He’s just angry and said some nonsense. I’ll calm him down and make him agree.”
Devpriya: “I’ve lost him.”
Devpriya’s fear turned out to be true. Despite Devprakash’s efforts to convince his son, saying, “Your mother will die from this grief,” it had no effect. Gyan remained firm in his refusal. Finally, Devprakash also gave up.
For three years, every time the topic of marriage came up, Gyanprakash remained steadfast in his resolve. His mother’s tears were in vain. However, he did agree to one thing—he didn’t go to Calcutta to meet his brother.
In those three years, the household underwent significant changes. Devpriya’s three daughters were married off. Now, she was the only woman in the house. The empty house tormented her. When she became overwhelmed with despair and anger, she would curse Satyaprakash to her heart’s content! But the love letters between the two brothers continued as usual.
Devprakash’s demeanor began to show signs of a strange indifference. He had taken retirement and spent most of his time studying religious texts. Gyanprakash had earned the title of “Acharya” and became a teacher in a school. Devpriya was now alone in the world.
To draw her son back into domestic life, Devpriya constantly performed rituals and spells. She would talk about which girl in the community was beautiful, virtuous, and educated. But Gyanprakash had no time to listen to these things.
In the neighborhood, weddings happened frequently. Brides arrived, babies played in their laps, and homes became lively. Some houses celebrated departures, others welcomed arrivals, and some played music. Seeing this bustle, Devpriya’s mind became restless. She felt like she was the most unfortunate person in the world. She wondered if the day would ever come when she would see her daughter-in-law’s face, hold her grandchildren in her arms, and hear the sweet songs of celebration in her own home. Thinking about these things day and night, Devpriya’s state became like that of a madwoman. She would start cursing Satyaprakash out of nowhere. “He is the destroyer of my life.” Obsession is a prime characteristic of madness. Obsession is highly creative. It starts imagining divine chariots flying in the sky. If the food was too salty, it was because the enemy had put some obstacle in the way. Sometimes, Devpriya would mistake Satyaprakash for being at home, thinking he wanted to kill her, or that he was poisoning Gyanprakash. One day, she wrote a letter to Satyaprakash and cursed him as much as she could. “You are the enemy of my life, the destroyer of my family, a murderer. When will the day come that your death will be celebrated?” The next day, she wrote another similar letter. This became her daily routine. She would send these letters to the post office through the maid.
9. Satyaprakash’s Decline
Gyanprakash becoming a teacher proved to be the downfall of Satyaprakash. In his exile, his only solace was that he wasn’t alone in the world. But now that support was gone. Gyanprakash strongly wrote that he didn’t need any more help. He was earning more than enough to support himself.
Although Satyaprakash’s shop was doing well, life as a small shopkeeper in a big city like Calcutta wasn’t easy. An income of sixty or seventy rupees a month wasn’t much. What he had been saving wasn’t really savings but sacrifices. By eating a frugal diet and living in a cramped, damp room, he managed to save twenty-five or thirty rupees. Now, he started eating two meals a day and wearing cleaner clothes. But within a short time, his expenses increased, including a new item for medicines, and soon he was back to his old situation. Years of deprivation of fresh air, light, and nutritious food can destroy even the best of health. Satyaprakash was afflicted with anorexia, indigestion, and other ailments. Sometimes, he even had a fever. In youth, one is self-reliant and doesn’t care about support. But old age seeks shelter and relies on others. Satyaprakash used to sleep soundly through the night, sometimes eating food from the market or snacking on sweets. But now, he couldn’t sleep well at night, and he detested market food. When he returned home at night, he was exhausted. Lighting the stove and cooking became a chore. Sometimes, he would cry over his loneliness. At night, when he couldn’t sleep, he longed to talk to someone. But who was there besides the darkness of night? Walls may have ears, but they don’t have mouths. Meanwhile, Gyanprakash’s letters became fewer and more distant. They no longer contained heartfelt sentiments. Satyaprakash still wrote the same emotional letters, but how could emotions suit a teacher? Gradually, Satyaprakash began to feel that Gyanprakash, too, was becoming indifferent to him. Otherwise, why would he not come to visit, even for a few days? Gyan didn’t know that Gyanprakash had promised his mother that he wouldn’t go to Calcutta. This misunderstanding further deepened Satyaprakash’s despair.
Cities have many people, but humanity is scarce. Satyaprakash was alone even in that crowded place. A new desire began to sprout in his mind. “Why not return home and seek refuge in the love of a companion? Where else can I find peace and happiness? What else can illuminate the dark despair of my life?” He fought this urge with all his might, like a child who is drawn home by the thought of sweets kept inside, even while playing. Similarly, his mind kept returning to those sweet thoughts. He thought, “Fate has deprived me of all happiness, otherwise, why would I be in such a miserable state? Was I not given intelligence by God? Did I shirk hard work? If my enthusiasm and interest hadn’t been stifled in childhood, if my intellectual powers hadn’t been strangled, I would have been someone today. I wouldn’t be stuck in this foreign land just to fill my stomach. No, I won’t do this injustice to myself.”
10. The Final Blow
For months, Satyaprakash’s mind and intellect waged this battle. One day, as he returned from his shop and was about to light the stove, the postman called out to him. No one but Gyanprakash sent him letters, and Gyan’s letter had already arrived today. Why was there a second letter? He felt a sense of foreboding. He took the letter and began reading it. Within moments, the letter slipped from his hands, and he held his head in his hands to keep from falling to the ground. The letter was a cup of poison written by Devpriya, which in a single moment rendered him unconscious. All his agonizing pain—anger, despair, ingratitude, guilt—was extinguished in a single sigh.
He lay on his bed. His mental agony had turned to ashes. “Alas! My whole life has been ruined! I am Gyanprakash’s enemy. I’ve been pretending to love him all these years just to ruin his life. Oh, Lord! You are my witness!”
The next day, another letter from Devpriya arrived. Satyaprakash took it and tore it up. He didn’t have the courage to read it.
A day later, a third letter arrived. It met the same fate. This became a daily routine. The letter would arrive, and he would tear it up. But Devpriya’s intent was fulfilled even without him reading the letters—a blow struck at Satyaprakash’s heart.
After a month of excruciating heartache, Satyaprakash grew weary of life. He closed his shop and stopped going out. He spent all day lying on his bed. He would remember the days when his mother would lovingly take him in her lap and say, “Son!” His father would return from work in the evening, lift him into his arms, and call him “brother.” His mother’s living image would appear before him, just as she was when she went to bathe in the Ganges. Her loving words would echo in his ears. Then the scene would shift to the time when he called his stepmother “Amma.” Her harsh words would come back to him, her angry, glaring eyes would appear before him. He would then recall his own sobbing. Next, the birthing room scene would flash before him. How lovingly he had wanted to hold the baby! Then his stepmother’s thunderous words would echo in his ears. Oh! That thunderbolt ruined my life! More such memories would flood his mind. Now, without any fault of his own, his mother would scold him. He would remember his father’s cruel, unkind behavior—his frowns over the slightest things, his belief in his mother’s false accusations. Oh! My whole life has been ruined! He would then turn over, and the same scenes would replay in his mind. He would turn again and cry out, “Why doesn’t this life come to an end?”
GRIH DAAH ALL PARTS STORY BY PREMCHAND
He spent several days in this state. It was evening when he suddenly heard someone calling at the door. He listened carefully and was startled. It was the voice of someone he knew. He ran to the door and found Gyanprakash standing there. What a handsome man he was! Satyaprakash threw his arms around him. Gyanprakash touched his brother’s feet. The two brothers entered the house. It was dark inside. Seeing the state of the house, Gyanprakash, who had been holding back his emotions, started to cry. Satyaprakash lit a lantern. The house was like a haunted place. Satyaprakash quickly put on a kurta. Gyanprakash looked at his brother’s frail body, pale face, and sunken eyes and wept.
(“Grih Daah” story by Munshi Premchand)
Satyaprakash said, “I’ve been sick lately.”
Gyanprakash: “I can see that.”
Satyaprakash: “You didn’t inform me you were coming. How did you find the house?”
Gyanprakash: “I did inform you. You must not have received the letter.”
Satyaprakash: “Ah, yes, I must have. The letter must have been left at the shop. I haven’t been to the shop in several days. Is everything okay at home?”
Gyanprakash: “Mother passed away.”
Satyaprakash: “Oh! Was she sick?”
Gyanprakash: “No, she wasn’t. I don’t know what she ate. Recently, she had become somewhat insane. Father said some harsh words to her, and perhaps that’s why she consumed something.”
Satyaprakash: “Is Father okay?”
Gyanprakash: “Yes, he’s still alive.”
Satyaprakash: “Oh! Is he very sick?”
Gyanprakash: “Mother consumed poison, and when Father tried to open her mouth and administer medicine, she bit two of his fingers hard. The poison entered his body through the bite. His entire body is swollen. He’s in the hospital, and whenever he sees someone, he tries to bite them. There’s no hope of survival.”
(“Grih Daah” story by Munshi Premchand)
Satyaprakash: “Then the house is doomed.”
Gyanprakash: “Such a house should have been doomed a long time ago.”
Three days later, both brothers left Calcutta at dawn.
