Once There Was a King

The Son of Rashmani

Rashmani, the strong-willed mother, takes charge of managing their remaining assets and raising her son, Kalipada, with strict discipline, in contrast to her impractical and tradition-bound husband, Bhavani. Kalipada leaves for Calcutta to pursue his education, where he endures poverty and the disdain of wealthier students, particularly Sailen, who eventually discovers a familial connection to Kalipada and repents his behavior. Tragically, Kalipada falls ill and dies, leading to profound grief for his parents, and in a moment of despair and acceptance, Bhavani destroys the recovered will that he had long obsessed over.

The Babus of Nayanjore

The Babus of Nayanjore, known for their extravagant lifestyle, who eventually fell into financial ruin. Kailas Babu, the last descendant clinging to the remnants of their former glory, maintains an outward appearance of dignity and pride despite his poverty. The narrator, a self-made man who initially views Kailas Babu with disdain and orchestrates a cruel prank on him involving a fake visit from a high-ranking official, experiences a change of heart upon witnessing the genuine love and protectiveness of Kailas Babu's granddaughter. Ultimately, the narrator's perspective shifts from scorn to respect, leading to a surprising proposal of marriage.

Subha

A young woman named Subhashini, nicknamed Subha, who is mute. It details her isolation and the sorrow of her parents due to her inability to speak, highlighting how society often equates silence with a lack of feeling. Despite her isolation from most people, Subha finds solace in nature and companionship with animals, who understand her unspoken language of affection. The narrative progresses to depict her parents' anxieties about her future, particularly regarding marriage, and their eventual decision to take her to Calcutta for this purpose. Ultimately, the excerpt culminates in Subha's unhappy marriage and her profound sense of displacement and longing for the familiar understanding she once knew.

Master Mashai

Adhar Babu, a wealthy man whose life changes with the birth of his son, Venugopal. As Venugopal grows, a poor but intelligent tutor named Haralal enters their lives, forming a close bond with the boy that is resented by the mother. This relationship faces challenges when a theft occurs, leading to Haralal's departure and a subsequent estrangement followed by a superficial reunion with the now grown and fashionable Venugopal. Ultimately, a desperate act by Venugopal results in Haralal being wrongly suspected of theft, culminating in a tragic and unresolved ending for Haralal.

Once There Was a King

Vivid memory of childhood, specifically an evening when a longed-for tutor's absence coincided with the captivating narration of a fairy tale by the grandmother. This fairy tale, recounted within the author's memory, tells of a king, his daughter's unexpected marriage to a young boy, and the subsequent mysterious events that unfold, ultimately touching on a child's understanding of life and death within the realm of stories.