Atithi Summary, Guest Lesson Explanation| ISC Class 12 English

Atithi/Guest Summary and Explanation

ISC Class 12 English Chapter Atithi/Guest Summary, Theme, Explanation along with Difficult Word Meanings from English Prism Book

Atithi Summary – Are you looking for the summary, theme and lesson explanation for ISC Class 12 English Prism Book (A Collection of ISC Short Stories) Chapter – Atithi /Guest. Get Lesson summary, theme, explanation along with difficult word meanings.

ISC Class 12 English Chapter – Atithi /Guest

Rabindranath Tagore

Atithi (Guest) is a short story by Rabindranath Tagore. It follows Tarapada, a young boy who loves nature and adventure. He does not want to be trapped by the expectations of home life. The story explores themes such as the desire to explore, the need for freedom, and the struggle between personal wishes and societal pressures, especially through Tarapada’s experiences with a wealthy landlord’s family.

Atithi /Guest Summary
Atithi /Guest Summary in Hindi
Atithi /Guest Theme
Atithi /Guest Lesson Explanation

Atithi /Guest Summary

Part I

Motilal Babu, a landlord from Kathaliya, was sailing home with his family. One afternoon, his boat stopped near a market to prepare a meal. A young Brahmin boy, about fifteen or sixteen years old, named Tarapada, approached them. He asked Motilal Babu for a ride to Nandigram, which Motilal agreed to. Tarapada was a handsome boy with a fair complexion and graceful features. He showed surprising skill by helping the servant prepare fish and vegetables. After bathing and tidying himself, he joined Motilal’s family, including his wife Annapurna and nine-year-old daughter, Charushashi, for the meal. Annapurna was very impressed by Tarapada and wondered about his family. She learned that Tarapada had run away from his loving home at the age of seven or eight, even though his family doted on him and there was no real reason for him to leave. He had a wandering spirit and couldn’t be tied down, even by love. He had run away multiple times, joining a touring jatra troupe and later a group of panchali singers. He was wary of forming deep connections, always leaving once people grew too fond of him. He had also learned to play the flute skillfully and had recently left a gymnastics troupe to head towards Nandigram, where he heard a jatra group was being formed. Despite mixing with many different groups, Tarapada remained pure and untouched by the negativity of the world, maintaining a natural innocence that immediately charmed Motilal Babu.

Part II

The boat continued its journey in the afternoon. Annapurna tried to ask Tarapada more about his home, but he gave short answers and went to the deck. Tarapada found peace and a deep connection with nature on the boat, watching the landscapes go by. He easily connected with the helmsman and oarsmen, even helping them steer and move the boat. Annapurna was worried because Tarapada said he didn’t eat every day and refused milk, even though he ate sweets. This showed his indifferent nature towards comforts. Over the next three days, Tarapada skillfully helped with cooking, shopping, and sailing. He was always curious and fully absorbed in whatever he did, remaining calm and detached yet always active, like nature itself. He easily learned many things and knew various songs and stories. One evening, when Motilal Babu was reading the Ramayana, Tarapada excitedly interrupted to sing a beautiful panchali about Kush and Lav. His singing captivated everyone, including the boatmen and people on the riverbanks. Annapurna was deeply moved and wished to hug him, while Motilal Babu thought of keeping him as a son, as he had none. Only his daughter, Charushashi, felt envy and jealousy.

Part III

Charushashi was the only child of her parents and used to getting all their attention. She was very stubborn and difficult, often throwing tantrums if things didn’t go her way, especially with clothes or hair. However, she could also be overly loving towards her mother. Now, her strong feelings turned into anger towards Tarapada, causing problems for her parents. She would complain about meals and lash out at servants, especially whenever Tarapada impressed others with his talents. She refused to admit he had any good qualities. When Tarapada sang the song about Kush and Lav, Annapurna hoped it would soften Charu, but Charu just showed disdain. Realizing Charu was jealous, Annapurna stopped showing affection for Tarapada in front of her daughter. Annapurna would secretly listen to Tarapada sing in the evenings after Charu went to bed, which made Charu furious. Charushashi found it unbearable that her parents listened to him while she was alone. Despite her hostility, Tarapada was fascinated by Charu’s fiery nature. He tried hard to win her over by telling stories, singing, and playing the flute, but he never succeeded. Only when he swam in the river, showing his fair body, would Charu secretly watch him with a hint of attraction, though she pretended to be indifferent.

Part IV

Tarapada did not even notice Nandigram when their boat passed it. The boat continued its slow journey for about ten days, moving through various rivers, allowing the passengers to enjoy the peaceful scenery. They arrived in Kathaliya, and Motilal Babu’s family was met with a grand welcome. Tarapada, however, quickly slipped away and immediately made friends with everyone in the village, easily connecting with people by calling them Dada, Khura, Didi, and Masi. He quickly won everyone’s hearts because of his unconventional nature and his ability to adapt to any situation or work. He could fit in with boys, elders, and even herders, while still maintaining his Brahmin identity. He helped out in the sweet shop, knew how to make sweets, weave, and even use a potter’s wheel. Tarapada became very popular in the village, but Charushashi’s hatred towards him remained. Perhaps her intense dislike was what made him stay longer. Charu’s jealousy grew to extremes when she learned that Sonamani, her friend and a young widow, also knew Tarapada and had a friendly relationship with him. Charu became furious that Sonamani had easy contact with ‘their Tarapada’ and even broke Tarapada’s beloved flute in a fit of rage and shame. Tarapada, though amused by her destructive act, was increasingly intrigued by Charushashi.

Part V

Tarapada’s interest shifted to the English illustrated books in Motilal Babu’s library, a world he couldn’t understand. When Motilal Babu offered to teach him English, Tarapada eagerly agreed. He began to learn English with great focus and speed, finding it a new, exciting realm. His dedication meant he no longer spent time with his village friends, who sadly watched him from afar. He also moved his meal times out of the women’s quarters, upsetting Annapurna, but Motilal Babu supported his learning. Charushashi then insisted she also wanted to learn English, mostly to disrupt Tarapada’s studies. She learned nothing herself, lagged behind, and often sabotaged Tarapada’s work by spilling ink, stealing pens, or tearing pages from his books. Tarapada mostly found this amusing, sometimes slapping her lightly when she went too far. One day, when he was truly annoyed and sitting silently with his ruined exercise book, Charu, expecting a beating, became worried when he did nothing. Unable to ask for forgiveness directly, she wrote a promise on a piece of paper that she wouldn’t pour ink again. Tarapada laughed at her efforts, which embarrassed Charu greatly. Meanwhile, Sonamani, Charu’s friend, would timidly visit Tarapada when Charu wasn’t around, worried about Charu’s possessiveness. Charu would often interrupt these visits with accusations, trying to guard Tarapada and his studies, though her true motive was jealousy. Tarapada understood her game and would promise to visit Sonamani later, despite Charu’s threats to tell the teacher. Finally, Charu locked Tarapada in his room for an evening to stop him from visiting Sonamani. When he angrily refused to eat, her passionate pleas and tears forced him to comply.

Part VI

Almost two years passed, a long time for the wandering Tarapada to stay in one place. Perhaps his studies, his growing maturity, or even Charu’s presence despite her temper kept him there. Charu, now eleven, was being considered for marriage. Motilal Babu placed restrictions on her, banning English books and outside visits, which she strongly protested. Annapurna, noticing Charu’s fondness for Tarapada, suggested he would make a good husband for their daughter. Motilal Babu was surprised and initially refused, citing Tarapada’s unknown family background and his desire for a good match for his only daughter. However, after considering that Tarapada was handsome, well-mannered, and that Charu’s stubbornness might not be accepted by in-laws, he and Annapurna decided to investigate Tarapada’s family. They found his family was poor but of high Brahmin caste. Motilal Babu then sent a marriage proposal, which Tarapada’s family happily accepted. Motilal Babu kept the engagement a secret from Charu.

During this time, Charu continued her unpredictable visits to Tarapada’s room, sometimes disturbing him. Despite his detached nature, Tarapada began to feel a strange attraction towards her, experiencing new daydreams and finding the illustrated books more colorful. He couldn’t laugh at her bad behavior anymore and never thought of hitting her. This attraction was like a new dream for him. Motilal Babu set the wedding for the month of Sravan (a monsoon month) and arranged everything, but did not tell Tarapada.

One moonlit evening, Tarapada saw boats heading to a famous chariot festival, filled with performers and musicians. The sounds and sights of the approaching fair, combined with the stormy monsoon atmosphere of thunder, lightning, and swelling river, made the whole world seem like a grand festival. This stirred his old wandering spirit. The next morning, Tarapada’s mother and brothers arrived for the wedding, and boats laden with wedding supplies also moored at the ghât. Sonamani also timidly brought him some treats. However, Tarapada was gone. In the cloudy monsoon night, before he could be fully bound by love and emotional ties, the wandering Brahmin boy, who had won the hearts of the village, had disappeared, returning to his free, unattached life.

Summary of the Lesson Atithi /Guest in Hindi

भाग I

कथलिया के एक मकान मालिक मोतीलाल बाबू अपने परिवार के साथ घर जा रहे थे। एक दोपहर, उनकी नाव भोजन तैयार करने के लिए एक बाजार के पास रुकी। लगभग पंद्रह या सोलह साल का एक युवा ब्राह्मण लड़का, जिसका नाम तारापद था, उनके पास आया। उन्होंने मोतीलाल बाबू से नंदीग्राम जाने के लिए कहा, जिसके लिए मोतीलाल सहमत हो गए। तारापद गोरा रंग और सुंदर विशेषताओं वाला एक सुंदर लड़का था। उसने नौकर को मछली और सब्जियाँ तैयार करने में मदद करके आश्चर्यजनक कौशल दिखाया। स्नान करने और खुद को साफ करने के बाद, वह भोजन के लिए अपनी पत्नी अन्नपूर्णा और नौ वर्षीय बेटी चारुशाशी सहित मोतीलाल के परिवार में शामिल हो गए। अन्नपूर्णा तारापद से बहुत प्रभावित हुई और अपने परिवार के बारे में सोचने लगी। उसे पता चला कि तारापद सात या आठ साल की उम्र में अपने प्यार करने वाले घर से भाग गया था, भले ही उसका परिवार उससे प्यार करता था और उसके जाने का कोई वास्तविक कारण नहीं था। उनके पास भटकने की भावना थी और उन्हें प्यार से भी नहीं बांधा जा सकता था। वह कई बार भाग गया था, एक पर्यटन जात्रा (लोक रंगमंच) मंडली और बाद में पंचाली (लोक गीत) गायकों के एक समूह में शामिल हो गया था। वह गहरे संबंध बनाने से सावधान रहते थे, हमेशा एक बार जब लोग उन्हें बहुत पसंद करते थे तो वे चले जाते थे। उन्होंने कुशलता से बांसुरी बजाना भी सीख लिया था और हाल ही में एक जिमनास्टिक मंडली को नंदीग्राम की ओर जाने के लिए छोड़ दिया था, जहाँ उन्होंने सुना कि एक जात्रा समूह बनाया जा रहा है। कई अलग-अलग समूहों के साथ मिलने के बावजूद, तारापद दुनिया की नकारात्मकता से शुद्ध और अछूता रहा, एक प्राकृतिक मासूमियत बनाए रखते हुए जिसने तुरंत मोतीलाल बाबू को मंत्रमुग्ध कर दिया।

भाग II

नाव ने दोपहर में अपनी यात्रा जारी रखी। अन्नपूर्णा ने तारापद से उनके घर के बारे में और पूछने की कोशिश की, लेकिन उन्होंने संक्षिप्त उत्तर दिए और डेक पर चले गए। तारापद को नाव पर प्रकृति के साथ शांति और गहरा संबंध मिला, जिससे परिदृश्य को देखा जा सके। वह आसानी से नाविक और नाविकों से जुड़ जाते थे, यहां तक कि उन्हें नाव चलाने और ले जाने में भी मदद करते थे। अन्नपूर्णा चिंतित थी क्योंकि तारापद ने कहा कि वह हर दिन नहीं खाता था और मिठाई खाने के बावजूद दूध देने से इनकार कर दिया था। यह सुख-सुविधाओं के प्रति उनके उदासीन स्वभाव को दर्शाता है। अगले तीन दिनों में, तारापद ने कुशलता से खाना पकाने, खरीदारी और नौकायन में मदद की। वह जो कुछ भी करते थे, उसमें हमेशा उत्सुक और पूरी तरह से लीन रहते थे, शांत और अलग रहते थे, फिर भी प्रकृति की तरह ही हमेशा सक्रिय रहते थे। उन्होंने आसानी से कई चीजें सीख लीं और विभिन्न गीतों और कहानियों को जानते थे। एक शाम, जब मोतीलाल बाबू रामायण पढ़ रहे थे, तो तारापद ने उत्साह से कुश और लव के बारे में एक सुंदर पंचाली गाने के लिए बाधा डाली। उनके गायन ने नाविकों और नदी के किनारे के लोगों सहित सभी को मंत्रमुग्ध कर दिया। अन्नपूर्णा बहुत प्रभावित हुईं और उन्हें गले लगाना चाहती थीं, जबकि मोतीलाल बाबू ने उन्हें एक बेटे के रूप में रखने के बारे में सोचा, क्योंकि उनका कोई बेटा नहीं था। केवल उनकी बेटी चारुशाशी को ईर्ष्या और ईर्ष्या महसूस हुई।

भाग III

चारुशाशी अपने माता-पिता की इकलौती संतान थीं और उनका पूरा ध्यान आकर्षित करती थीं। वह बहुत जिद्दी और मुश्किल थी, अगर चीजें उसके हिसाब से नहीं होतीं, तो अक्सर नखरे करती थी, खासकर कपड़ों या बालों के मामले में। हालाँकि, वह अपनी माँ के प्रति अत्यधिक प्यार भी कर सकती थी। अब, उसकी प्रबल भावनाएँ तारापद के प्रति क्रोध में बदल गईं, जिससे उसके माता-पिता के लिए समस्याएं पैदा हो गईं। वह भोजन के बारे में शिकायत करती थी और नौकरों पर चिल्लाती थी, खासकर जब भी तारापद अपनी प्रतिभा से दूसरों को प्रभावित करता था। उसने यह स्वीकार करने से इनकार कर दिया कि उसके पास कोई अच्छे गुण थे। जब तारापद ने कुश और लव के बारे में गीत गाया, तो अन्नपूर्णा को उम्मीद थी कि यह चारू को नरम कर देगा, लेकिन चारू ने केवल तिरस्कार दिखाया। यह महसूस करते हुए कि चारू को जलन हो रही थी, अन्नपूर्णा ने अपनी बेटी के सामने तारापद के लिए स्नेह दिखाना बंद कर दिया। चारू के सोने के बाद अन्नपूर्णा गुप्त रूप से शाम को तारापद को गाते हुए सुनती थी, जिससे चारू क्रोधित हो जाती थी। चारुशाशी को यह असहनीय लगा कि जब वह अकेली थी तो उसके माता-पिता उसकी बात सुनते थे। अपनी शत्रुता के बावजूद, तारापद चारू के उग्र स्वभाव से मोहित थी। उन्होंने कहानियाँ सुनाकर, गाकर और बांसुरी बजाकर उन्हें जीतने की बहुत कोशिश की, लेकिन वे कभी सफल नहीं हुए। जब वह अपने सुंदर शरीर को दिखाते हुए नदी में तैरता था, तभी चारू गुप्त रूप से उसे आकर्षण के संकेत के साथ देखती थी, हालांकि वह उदासीन होने का नाटक करती थी।

भाग IV

तारापद ने नंदीग्राम को तब भी नहीं देखा जब उनकी नाव उसे पार कर गई। नाव ने लगभग दस दिनों तक अपनी धीमी यात्रा जारी रखी, विभिन्न नदियों से गुजरते हुए, यात्रियों को शांतिपूर्ण दृश्यों का आनंद लेने की अनुमति दी। वे कथलिया पहुँचे और मोतीलाल बाबू के परिवार का भव्य स्वागत किया गया। हालांकि, तारापद जल्दी ही दूर चले गए और तुरंत गाँव के सभी लोगों से दोस्ती कर ली, आसानी से लोगों को “दादा”, “खुरा”, “दीदी” और “मसी” कहकर उनसे जुड़ गए। उन्होंने अपने अपरंपरागत स्वभाव और किसी भी स्थिति या काम के अनुकूल होने की अपनी क्षमता के कारण जल्दी ही सभी का दिल जीत लिया। वह अपनी ब्राह्मण पहचान को बनाए रखते हुए लड़कों, बड़ों और यहां तक कि चरवाहों के साथ भी मेल खा सकते थे। वह मिठाई की दुकान में मदद करता था, मिठाई बनाना, बुनाई करना और यहाँ तक कि कुम्हार के पहिये का उपयोग करना भी जानता था। तारापद गाँव में बहुत लोकप्रिय हो गया, लेकिन चारुशाशी की उसके प्रति नफरत बनी रही। शायद उसकी तीव्र नापसंदगी ही उसे लंबे समय तक रहने के लिए प्रेरित करती थी। चारू की ईर्ष्या चरम पर पहुंच गई जब उसे पता चला कि उसकी दोस्त और एक युवा विधवा सोनामनी भी तारापद को जानती थी और उसके साथ उसके दोस्ताना संबंध थे। चारू इस बात से क्रोधित हो गईं कि सोनामणी का “उनके तारापद” से आसानी से संपर्क हो गया और उन्होंने गुस्से और शर्म के साथ तारापद की प्यारी बांसुरी भी तोड़ दी। तारापद, हालांकि उसके विनाशकारी कार्य से खुश था, लेकिन चारुशाशी की दिलचस्पी बढ़ती गई।

भाग V

तारापद की रुचि मोतीलाल बाबू के पुस्तकालय में अंग्रेजी सचित्र पुस्तकों में स्थानांतरित हो गई, एक ऐसी दुनिया जिसे वे समझ नहीं सकते थे। जब मोतीलाल बाबू ने उन्हें अंग्रेजी पढ़ाने की पेशकश की, तो तारापद उत्सुकता से मान गए। उन्होंने बड़े ध्यान और गति के साथ अंग्रेजी सीखना शुरू किया, जिससे यह एक नया, रोमांचक क्षेत्र बन गया। उनके समर्पण का मतलब था कि वे अब अपने गाँव के दोस्तों के साथ समय नहीं बिताते थे, जो दुख के साथ उन्हें दूर से देखते थे। उन्होंने अपने भोजन के समय को भी महिलाओं के क्वार्टर से बाहर कर दिया, जिससे अन्नपूर्णा परेशान हो गईं, लेकिन मोतीलाल बाबू ने उनकी पढ़ाई का समर्थन किया। चारुशाशी ने तब जोर देकर कहा कि वह भी अंग्रेजी सीखना चाहती है, ज्यादातर तारापद की पढ़ाई को बाधित करने के लिए। उन्होंने खुद कुछ नहीं सीखा, पीछे रह गईं और अक्सर स्याही छिड़ककर, कलम चुराकर या उनकी किताबों के पन्ने फाड़कर तारापद के काम में तोड़फोड़ की। तारापद को ज्यादातर यह मनोरंजक लगा, कभी-कभी जब वह बहुत दूर जाती थी तो उसे हल्के से थप्पड़ मार देती थी। एक दिन, जब वह वास्तव में नाराज था और अपनी बर्बाद व्यायाम पुस्तक के साथ चुपचाप बैठा हुआ था, तो चारू, पिटाई की उम्मीद में, चिंतित हो गया जब उसने कुछ नहीं किया। सीधे माफी मांगने में असमर्थ, उसने एक कागज के टुकड़े पर एक वादा लिखा कि वह फिर से स्याही नहीं डालेगी। तारापद उसके प्रयासों पर हँसे, जिसने चारू को बहुत शर्मिंदा किया। इस बीच, चारू की दोस्त सोनामनी डर के मारे तारापाड़ा जाती थी जब चारू आसपास नहीं होती थी, क्योंकि वह चारू के स्वामित्व को लेकर चिंतित होती थी। चारू अक्सर इन यात्राओं को आरोपों के साथ बाधित करती थी, तारापद और उसकी पढ़ाई की रक्षा करने की कोशिश करती थी, हालांकि उसका असली उद्देश्य ईर्ष्या था। तारापद ने उसके खेल को समझा और चारू द्वारा शिक्षक को बताने की धमकी के बावजूद, बाद में सोनामनी से मिलने का वादा करता था। अंत में, चारू ने तारापद को सोनमानी से मिलने से रोकने के लिए एक शाम के लिए अपने कमरे में बंद कर दिया। जब उसने गुस्से में खाने से इनकार कर दिया, तो उसकी भावुक दलीलों और आंसुओं ने उसे मान लेने के लिए मजबूर कर दिया।

भाग VI

लगभग दो साल बीत गए, भटकते हुए तारापद के लिए एक ही स्थान पर रहने के लिए एक लंबा समय था। शायद उनकी पढ़ाई, उनकी बढ़ती परिपक्वता, या यहां तक कि चारू की उपस्थिति (उनके गुस्से के बावजूद) ने उन्हें वहीं रखा। चारू, अब ग्यारह, पर शादी के लिए विचार किया जा रहा था। मोतीलाल बाबू ने उन पर प्रतिबंध लगा दिया, अंग्रेजी पुस्तकों और बाहर की यात्राओं पर प्रतिबंध लगा दिया, जिसका उन्होंने कड़ा विरोध किया। तारापद के लिए चारू के लगाव को देखते हुए अन्नपूर्णा ने सुझाव दिया कि वह उनकी बेटी के लिए एक अच्छा पति बनाएंगी। तारापद की अज्ञात पारिवारिक पृष्ठभूमि और अपनी एकमात्र बेटी के लिए एक अच्छे मैच की उनकी इच्छा का हवाला देते हुए मोतीलाल बाबू आश्चर्यचकित हो गए और शुरू में मना कर दिया। हालाँकि, यह विचार करने के बाद कि तारापद सुंदर, अच्छे व्यवहार वाले थे, और चारू की जिद्दीपन को ससुराल वाले स्वीकार नहीं कर सकते थे, उन्होंने और अन्नपूर्णा ने तारापद के परिवार की जांच करने का फैसला किया। उन्होंने पाया कि उनका परिवार गरीब था लेकिन उच्च ब्राह्मण जाति का था। इसके बाद मोतीलाल बाबू ने शादी का प्रस्ताव भेजा, जिसे तारापद के परिवार ने खुशी-खुशी स्वीकार कर लिया। मोतीलाल बाबू ने शादी को चारू से गुप्त रखा।

इस दौरान, चारू तारापद के कमरे में अपनी अप्रत्याशित यात्रा जारी रखती थी, कभी-कभी उसे परेशान करती थी। अपने अलग स्वभाव के बावजूद, तारापद ने उनके प्रति एक अजीब आकर्षण महसूस करना शुरू कर दिया, नए दिवास्वप्नों का अनुभव किया और सचित्र पुस्तकों को अधिक रंगीन पाया। वह उसके बुरे व्यवहार पर और नहीं हंस सकता था और उसे मारने के बारे में कभी नहीं सोचता था। यह आकर्षण उनके लिए एक नए सपने जैसा था। मोतीलाल बाबू ने श्रावण (मानसून का महीना) के लिए शादी की और सब कुछ तय किया, लेकिन तारापद को नहीं बताया।

एक चाँदनी शाम, तारापद ने कलाकारों और संगीतकारों से भरी नौकाओं को एक प्रसिद्ध रथ उत्सव की ओर जाते देखा। आने वाले मेले की आवाज़ों और दृश्यों के साथ-साथ तूफानी मानसून के वातावरण-गरज, बिजली, सूजन वाली नदी-ने पूरी दुनिया को एक भव्य त्योहार की तरह बना दिया। इससे उनकी पुरानी भटकने की भावना उत्तेजित हो गई। अगली सुबह, तारापद की माँ और भाई शादी के लिए पहुंचे, और शादी की आपूर्ति से लदी नावें भी घाट पर खड़ी हो गईं। सोनामनी भी डर के मारे उसके लिए कुछ व्यंजन लेकर आई। हालांकि, तारापद चला गया था। बादलों वाली मानसून की रात में, इससे पहले कि वह प्यार और भावनात्मक संबंधों से पूरी तरह से बंधा हो पाता, भटकता हुआ ब्राह्मण लड़का, जिसने गाँव का दिल जीत लिया था, गायब हो गया था, अपने स्वतंत्र, असंबद्ध जीवन में लौट रहा था।

Theme of the Lesson Atithi /Guest

The Spirit of Wanderlust and Freedom

This is a central theme in the story. It explores the character of Tarapada, a young boy who possesses an inherent and overwhelming desire to wander and remain free. He cannot be tied down by any kind of relationship, affection, or place. His nature is described as being like a ‘joyous wave on life’s unending stream’, always moving forward without concern for the past or future. He consistently escapes situations where he feels emotional bonds forming, showing that his deepest need is for absolute independence and an untethered existence.

Love as a Binding Force and its Limitations

The story also explores different forms of love and affection, and how they attempt to contain Tarapada’s free spirit. Annapurna, Motilal Babu’s wife, shows strong maternal affection, longing to nurture and keep him. Motilal Babu himself, impressed by Tarapada’s talents, wishes to adopt him as a son. Even Charushashi, despite her jealousy, develops a strong, possessive attachment to him. However, Tarapada consistently resists these ties of love, indicating that for some individuals, love, when it seeks to possess or limit freedom, cannot hold them. The narrative suggests that his destiny has made him a wanderer, beyond the reach of conventional affection.

The Conflict Between Individuality and Societal Expectations

The story highlights the clash between Tarapada’s unique, wandering nature and the expectations of a settled, conventional life within society. Despite being offered comfort, education, and even an arranged marriage, he cannot conform to these roles. Society tries to fit him into traditional positions like son, student, husband, but his spirit is fundamentally detached and free. His final, unexplained disappearance on the night of his arranged wedding symbolizes his ultimate rejection of societal norms and his return to his true, unconstrained self, emphasizing that some individuals cannot be bound by traditional paths or expectations.

The Power of Art and Knowledge

Music and learning play a significant role in Tarapada’s journey and his ability to remain free. It is the songs of the jatra that first lure him away from home, showing art’s power to draw one into new experiences. His quick learning of panchali, folktales, and kirtan, and his fascination with English illustrated books, demonstrate his strong intellectual curiosity. His ability to charm others with his singing like the song of Kush and Lav panchali highlights the captivating power of artistic expression. These pursuits are not just hobbies but are integral to his identity and his continuous movement and exploration, providing a means for his engagement with the world while maintaining his inner detachment.

Atithi /Guest Lesson Explanation

I

Passage: Motilal Babu, zamindar of Kathaliya, was returning home with his family by boat. One afternoon he moored the boat near a riverside market so that their meal could be prepared. A Brahmin boy came over and asked, ‘Where are you going, Babu?’ The boy was not more than fifteen or sixteen.
“Kathaliya,” replied Motilal Babu.
“Could you drop me at Nandigram on the way?”
Motilal consented. “What’s your name?” he asked.
“Tarapada,” said the boy.
The fair-skinned boy was beautiful to look at. His smile and his large eyes had the grace of youth. His body – bare except for a stained dhoti – was free of any excess: as if lovingly carved by a sculptor, or as if in a previous life he had been a young sage whose pure religious devotion had removed all grossness, honed him to gleaming, Brahminical perfection.
“Come and wash, baba,” said Motilal Babu tenderly. “You can eat with us.”

Word Meanings
Zamindar: A landlord, a person who owns a large amount of land.
Moored: fastened
Brahmin: A member of the highest caste in Hindu society, traditionally priests or scholars.
consented: agreed
grace: elegance
stained: discoloured with patches of something
Dhoti: A traditional garment worn by men in India, consisting of a piece of cloth wrapped around the waist and legs.
grossness: coarseness
honed: perfected
gleaming: shining; dazzling
Brahminical perfection: A state of purity, knowledge, and high moral standards, traditionally associated with Brahmins.
tenderly: softly

Explanation of the above passage—Motilal Babu, who was the landlord of Kathaliya, was sailing home on a boat with his family. One afternoon, he stopped the boat close to a market by the river so that his family’s meal could be prepared. A Brahmin boy, who was about fifteen or sixteen years old, came up and asked him where he was going. Motilal Babu replied that he was going to Kathaliya. The boy then asked if Motilal could give him a ride to Nandigram along the way. Motilal agreed. He asked the boy his name, and the boy replied that his name was Tarapada.The boy had fair skin and was very good-looking. His smile and his big eyes showed youthful beauty. His body, which was only covered by a stained dhoti, was lean and perfectly formed, as if a sculptor had lovingly created it. It was also described as if in a past life he had been a wise and holy man whose strong religious devotion had removed all impurities, making him very pure and perfectly refined like a Brahmin. Motilal Babu kindly invited the boy to come and wash, and told him that he could eat with their family.

Passage: Motilal’s servant was Hindusthani: he was not very good at cutting up fish. Tarapada took over, and soon had the dish ready and had cooked some vegetables too with practised skill. He then took a dip in the river, and, opening his bundle, produced a clean white garment and a small wooden comb. He sleeked his long hair away from his forehead and down to his neck, adjusted his glistening sacred thread, and stepped on to the boat.
Motilal Babu invited him into the cabin. His wife and his nine-year-old daughter were there. His wife Annapurna was tenderly attracted to the boy when she saw him, and wondered, Whose child is he? Where has he come from? How could his mother bear to abandon him?’ She placed mats for Motilal and the boy to sit on, side by side. The boy was not a big eater. Annapurna felt he must be shy and tried to get him to eat this or that; but when he had finished, he would not be tempted to more. He clearly did everything according to his own wishes – but with such ease that there was nothing assertive about him. He was not at all shy.

Word Meanings
Hindusthani: Referring to someone from Hindustan, an older term for parts of India.
Took a dip: To go into water briefly, usually for bathing or swimming.
sleeked: combed back
Sacred thread: A special thread worn by Brahmin males in Hindu tradition, symbolizing their spiritual duties.
Cabin: A room or compartment on a boat, usually for passengers.
glistening: shining
bear to: endure
Big eater: Someone who eats a lot.
tempted: attracted
assertive: aggressive

Explanation of the above passage—Motilal’s servant was from Hindustan, so he was not very good at cutting up fish. Tarapada took responsibility for the task and soon had the fish meal ready. He also cooked some vegetables using his experienced ability. After that, he took a bath in the river. He then opened his small bundle and took out a clean white piece of clothing and a small wooden comb. He smoothly combed his long hair away from his forehead and down to his neck. He then adjusted his shining sacred thread and stepped onto the boat. Motilal Babu invited him to come inside the cabin. His wife, Annapurna, and their nine-year-old daughter were there. Annapurna was kindly drawn to the boy when she saw him. She wondered about him, asking herself whose child he was, where he had come from, and how his mother could bring herself to leave him. She placed mats for Motilal and the boy to sit next to each other. The boy did not eat a lot. Annapurna thought he might be shy and tried to encourage him to eat various dishes, but once he had finished, he could not be persuaded to eat more. He clearly did everything according to his own wishes, but he did it with such natural ease that he never appeared demanding or forceful. He was not shy at all.

Passage: When everyone had eaten, Annapurna sat him next to her and asked him about his background. She didn’t gather much. All she could establish was that the boy had run away from home of his own volition at the age of seven or eight.
“Isn’t your mother alive?” asked Annapurna.
“She is,” said Tarapada.
“Doesn’t she love you?” asked Annapurna.
Tarapada seemed to find this question peculiar. ‘Why shouldn’t she love me?’ he said, laughing.
“Then why did you leave her?” said Annapurna.
“She has four more sons and three daughters,” said Tarapada.

Word Meanings
volition: free will
Peculiar: Strange, unusual, or odd.

Explanation of the above passage—When everyone had finished eating, Annapurna made him sit beside her and questioned him about his past. She did not learn much information. The only thing she could find out was that the boy had left his home by his own choice when he was seven or eight years old. Annapurna then inquired if his mother was still alive. Tarapada confirmed that she was. Annapurna then asked if his mother did not love him. Tarapada appeared to find this question strange. He responded, laughing, asking why his mother would not love him. Annapurna then questioned why he had left her. Tarapada explained that his mother had four other sons and three daughters.

Passage: Tarapada was young, so his life-story was brief; but the boy was a complete original. He was his parents’ fourth son, and was still a baby when his father died. Despite there being so many in the house, Tarapada was the darling of all; mother, brothers, sisters and neighbours doted on him. So much so, that his tutor never beat him-everyone would have been appalled if he had. There was no reason for him to leave. Half-starved boys who constantly stole fruit from trees and were thrashed by the owners of the trees – they never strayed from the village or their scolding mothers! But this darling of everyone joined a touring jatra-troupe and left his village without a thought.
Search parties went out and he was brought back. His mother pressed him to her breast and drenched him with tears; his sisters wept too. His elder brother tried to perform his duty as guardian but he soon abandoned his feeble attempts at discipline, and welcomed him back with open arms. Women invited him to their houses, plied him with even greater displays of affection. But he would not accept ties, even ties of love: his stars had made him a wanderer. If he saw strange boats on the river, or a sannyasi from a distant region under the local peepul tree, or if gypsies sat by the river, making mats or wicker baskets, his heart would stir with longing to be free, to explore the outside world. And after he had run away two or three times, family and villagers gave up hope of him.

Word Meanings
doted: showed great love
appalled: shocked
thrashed: beat
strayed: moved away
Jatra-troupe: A group of performers in a traditional folk theater, often traveling.
drenched: made him wet with tears
feeble: weak
plied: offered
wanderer: a person who keeps travelling from one place to another with a permanent home
Sannyasi: A Hindu religious ascetic; a renunciant or holy man.
Peepul tree: A sacred fig tree found in India.
Gypsies: nomadic people

Explanation of the above passage—Tarapada was still young, so his life’s story wasn’t long; however, the boy was truly unique. He was the fourth son of his parents and was still a baby when his father passed away. Even though there were many people in the house, Tarapada was loved by everyone; his mother, brothers, sisters, and neighbors all adored him. They loved him so much that his tutor never dared to punish him, everyone would have been shocked if he had. There was no clear reason for him to leave his home. In contrast, hungry boys who constantly stole fruit from trees and were beaten by the tree owners, even though they never left their village or their scolding mothers! But this boy, who was everyone’s favorite, simply joined a traveling folk theater group named jatra-troupe and left his village without a second thought. People went looking for him, and he was eventually brought back. His mother held him close and cried tears all over him; his sisters also wept. His older brother tried to act as a guardian and enforce rules, but he soon gave up his weak attempts at discipline and welcomed Tarapada back warmly. Women in the village invited him to their homes and showed him even more affection. However, Tarapada would not accept any strong connections, even loving ones: it seemed his destiny had made him a person who always wanders. If he saw unfamiliar boats on the river, or a holy man from a distant place sitting under the local peepul tree, or if nomadic people were by the river, making mats or baskets, his heart would feel a strong desire to be free and to explore the world outside. After he had run away two or three times, his family and the villagers finally stopped hoping that he would stay.

Passage: Again he joined a jatra-troupe at first. But when the master of the troupe began to treat him almost as a son, and the members of the troupe, young and old, had all fallen for him – and even the people in the houses where they performed (especially the women) began to make a special fuss of him – one day, without saying a word, he disappeared, and could not be found.
Tarapada was as wary of ties as a young fawn, and was also like a deer in his love of music. The songs of the jatra were what had first lured him away from home. Melodies sent a trembling through his veins, and rhythms made his body swing.
Impelled by this passion for music, it was not long before he had joined a group of panchali-singers. The leader of the group carefully taught him songs and trained him to recite panchali by heart. He too began to love him as his own. Like a pet cage-bird, Tarapada learnt a few songs, and then one morning flew away.

Word Meanings
fuss: pay a lot of attention to somebody
wary: cautious
lured: enticed
Melodies: Sequences of musical notes that are pleasant to listen to; tunes.
Trembling: Shaking involuntarily, typically as a result of anxiety, excitement, or weakness.
Rhythms: A strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound.
Impelled: motivated, urged
panchali: ballads of gods and goddesses
recite: a poem, piece of prose, or other passage aloud from memory.

Explanation of the above passage—Again, Tarapada first joined a traveling theater group. But when the leader of the group started to treat him almost like his own child, and all the people in the group, both young and old, had become very fond of him and even the people in the homes where they performed, especially the women, started to show him special attention but one day, without saying anything, he vanished and could not be found. Tarapada was as cautious about strong connections as a young deer. He was also like a deer in how much he loved music. The songs from the traveling theater were what had first attracted him to leave his home. Music made him feel a tremor throughout his body, and the beat of the music made his body move. Driven by this strong feeling for music, he soon joined a group of people who sang traditional folk songs called panchali-singers. The leader of this group carefully taught him songs and trained him to remember panchali songs by heart. This leader also started to love Tarapada as if he were his own child. Like a small bird kept in a cage, Tarapada learned a few songs, and then one morning he flew away.

Passage: Finally he joined a troupe of gymnasts. From Jyaistha to Asarh a fair toured the district. Jatra-troupes, panchali-singers, bards, dancers and stallholders travelled by boat from one site to another. For the second year running this round of entertainment included a small gymnastics troupe from Calcutta. At first Tarapada joined the stallholders – sold pan at the fair. But then s natural curiosity drew him to the wonderful skills of the gymnasts, and he joined their troupe. He had taught himself to play the flute very well: during the gymnastic display he had to May Lucknow thumris at top speed on the flute – this was his only task.
It was from this troupe that he had most recently absconded. He had heard that the zamindars at Nandigram had founded, on a lavish scale, an amateur jatra-group, so he tied up his bundle and headed for the place, meeting Motilal Babu on the way.
Despite these connections with various groups, his nature had not been corrupted by any. He was, deep down, entirely detached and free.

Word Meanings
Jyaistha: An Indian calendar month, usually falling in late May to mid-June.
Asarh: An Indian calendar month, usually falling in mid-June to mid-July.
bards: a poet, traditionally one reciting epics and associated with a particular oral tradition.
stallholders: People who own or manage temporary shops or booths at a market or fair.
curiosity: A strong desire to know or learn something.
gymnasts: Athletes who perform exercises requiring strength, flexibility, balance, and agility.
thumris: A style of Indian classical music, often light and romantic in nature.
absconded: ran away
lavish: grand
amateur: people who indulge in certain activities as a pastime rather than as a profession
corrupted: acted in an immoral or illegal way
detached: Not involved emotionally; separate or distant.

Explanation of the above passage—Finally, he joined a group of gymnasts. From the months of Jyaistha to Asarh, a fair traveled through the district. Various groups like jatra-troupes, folk-singers, other dancers, and people running stalls moved from one location to another by boat. For the second year in a row, this series of entertainment included a small gymnastics group from Calcutta. At first, Tarapada worked with the stallholders, selling betel leaf at the fair. However, his natural desire to learn and experience new things drew him to the amazing skills of the gymnasts, so he joined their group. He had learned to play the flute very well on his own. During the gymnastics performances, his only job was to play Lucknow thumris which is a type of classical music, that too, very quickly on his flute. It was from this gymnastics group that he had most recently run away secretly. He had heard that the landlords in Nandigram had started a non-professional folk-theater group on a very grand scale. Because of this, he packed his belongings and headed towards that place, meeting Motilal Babu on his journey. Despite being involved with various different groups, his core personality had not been spoiled or negatively changed by any of them. He was, deep inside, completely separate from others and entirely free.

Passage: The foul language he had heard, the dreadful sights he had seen, had not fixed themselves in his mind. They passed him by. He remained unbound by any kind of habit or custom. He swam in the murky waters of the world with pure white wings, like a swan. However many times his curiosity made him dive in, his wings could not be soaked or soiled.
There was a pure and natural innocence in this runaway boy’s expression. So much so, that the worldly-wise Motilal Babu invited him in without doubt or question, and with great tenderness.

Word Meanings
Passed him by: Did not affect him; did not leave a lasting impression on him.
unbound: detached
Custom: A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something.
murky: dirty
soiled: made something dirty
worldly-wise: Experienced and knowledgeable about the ways of the world, often implying shrewdness.

Explanation of the above passage—The bad words Tarapada had heard and the terrible things he had witnessed did not stay in his memory. They simply went past him without affecting him. He stayed free from any particular habit or tradition. He moved through the world’s unclear and difficult situations with pure, clean intentions, like a swan with white wings. No matter how many times his desire to know more made him get involved, his pure intentions could not be dirtied or stained. There was a natural and clear innocence in the expression of this boy who had run away. This was so strong that Motilal Babu, who was experienced in worldly matters, invited him inside without any hesitation or questions, and with much kindness.

II

Passage: In the afternoon the boat set sail. Annapurna continued to ask the boy kind questions about his home and family; he answered laconically, and then went out on deck to escape.
Tarapada took refuge on the roof of the boat in the shade of the sail.
Sloping pastures, flooded jute-fields, green, rippling late autumn paddy, narrow paths leading from the ghats, and villages shaded by encircling foliage, came one by one into. To this water, earth and sky, this movement of life and sound, these varied levels and vast vistas, to this huge, immovable, mute, unblinking, natural world, the boy was intimately linked.
As he sat, he soon got talking with the helmsman and oarsmen. Sometimes he took the oars and punted the boat himself. When the helmsman needed a smoke, he would take the tiller; when the sail needed to be turned, he helped skilfully.

Word Meanings
laconically: in very few words
refuge: shelter
Sloping: Going up or down at an angle; not flat or level.
Pastures: Fields of grass where animals can feed.
Jute-fields: Fields where jute plants (used to make rough fabric) are grown.
Rippling: Moving in small waves or folds.
Paddy: Rice plants that are grown in water, or a field where rice is grown.
Ghats: Steps leading down to a river or other body of water.
Encircling: Surrounding something completely.
Foliage: The leaves of plants or trees.
Intimately linked: Very closely connected or related.
Helmsman: The person who steers a boat or ship.
Oarsmen: People who row a boat using oars.
Punted: Moved a boat by pushing a pole against the bottom of the river or lake.
Tiller: A bar or handle used to steer a boat.

Explanation of the above passage—In the afternoon, the boat began its journey. Annapurna kept asking the boy gentle questions about his home and family. He gave very short answers and then went to the boat’s outer area to get away from her questions. Tarapada found shelter on the roof of the boat, under the shadow of the sail. Gently sloping grassy areas, rice fields filled with water, green, wavy rice plants from late autumn, narrow paths leading from the riverbanks, and villages hidden by a circle of leaves and branches, appeared one after another. The boy felt a very close connection to this water, earth, and sky, to this moving scene of life and sounds, to these different heights and wide views, to this huge, still, silent, always-watching natural world. As he sat, he soon started talking with the person steering the boat and the people rowing. Sometimes, he took the oars and moved the boat himself with a pole. When the person steering needed to smoke, he would take control of the steering handle. When the sail needed to be adjusted, he helped with great skill.

Passage: Just before dusk Annapurna called Tarapada and asked, “What do you like to eat at night?”
“Whatever I get,” said Tarapada. “I don’t eat every day.”
She felt disturbed by this beautiful Brahmin boy’s indifference to her hospitality. She longed to feed, clothe and give succour to him. But she could not discover how to please him. She ostentatiously sent her servants to buy milk and sweets: Tarapada ate the sweets willingly enough, but he would not touch the milk. Even the taciturn Motilal urged him to drink it, but he simply replied, “I don’t like it.”
Three days passed. Tarapada expertly joined in everything, from the cooking and shopping to the sailing of the boat. Anything he saw interested him; any work that he did absorbed him. His sight, his hands and his mind were ever-active: like Nature herself he was always serene and detached, yet always busy. People usually dwell in a fixed place, but Tarapada was like a joyous wave on life’s unending stream: past or future meant nothing – moving forward was the only thing that mattered.

Word Meanings
dusk: The time just before night
indifference: lack of interest
hospitality: care and attention
succour: assistance
ostentatiously: done in an exaggerated way to grab somebody’s attention
Taciturn: Reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little.
serene: calm
detached: not having or showing emotional involvemnent
Stream: A continuous flow of something.

Explanation of the above passage— Just before evening, Annapurna called Tarapada and asked him what he liked to eat at night. Tarapada replied that he ate whatever he received and mentioned that he did not eat every day. Annapurna felt upset by this handsome Brahmin boy’s lack of concern regarding her kindness. She strongly wished to feed, dress, and help him, but she could not figure out how to make him happy. She intentionally sent her servants to purchase milk and sweets. Tarapada ate the sweets willingly enough, but he refused to touch the milk. Even the quiet Motilal encouraged him to drink it, but Tarapada simply said that he did not like it. Three days went by. Tarapada skillfully participated in every activity, from preparing food and shopping to navigating the boat. Everything he observed interested him; any task he performed fully engaged him. His vision, his hands, and his mind were always active. He was always calm and emotionally distant, yet constantly busy, much like nature itself. People usually live in one permanent place, but Tarapada was like a cheerful wave on life’s never-ending river. For him, the past or future had no meaning; moving forward was the only thing that mattered.

Passage: By mixing with various groups, he had learnt all sorts of delightful accomplishments. Things were stamped on his mind with astonishing ease, unclouded as it was by any kind of worry. He knew panchali, folktales, kirtan, and long pieces from yatras. Motilal Babu habitually read the Ramayana to his wife and daughter. One evening he had just got to the story of Kush and Lav when Tarapada, unable to restrain himself, came down from the roof of the boat and said, “Put the book away. I know a song about Kush and Lav – listen!”
He began a panchali. The verse, sweet as a flute, flowed on swiftly; the helmsman and oarsmen came and peered through the door of the cabin; as dusk fell, a stream of laughter, pathos and music spread through the evening air: the banks became alert, and people in passing boats were lured for a moment and strained their ears to listen. When the panchali had finished, everyone sighed deeply, wishing it would last forever. The tearful Annapurna longed to take the boy and press him to her breast and bury her face in his hair. Motilal Babu thought, ‘If I could somehow keep this boy, he would make up for my having no son.’ The little girl Charushashi, though, was full of envy and jealousy.

Word Meanings
accomplishments: achievements
stamped: engraved
Astonishing ease: Surprising and effortless ability.
Unclouded: Clear and untroubled
Restrain: To control or hold back one’s feelings or actions.
Panchali: A type of Bengali folk song or narrative poem, often based on mythological themes.
Verse: A line or stanza of a poem or song.
Peered: Looked closely or with difficulty.
pathos: feelings of sadness or sympathy
Lured: Attracted or tempted to do something or go somewhere.
strained: put extra effort
Sighed deeply: Took a long, audible breath, often indicating relief, sadness, or contentment.
Press him to her breast: To hold someone tightly and lovingly against one’s chest.
Envy: A feeling of discontent or resentment aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck

Explanation of the above passage— By mixing with different groups, he had learned many pleasing skills. He remembered things with surprising ease because his mind was not troubled by any worries. He knew folk songs called panchali, traditional stories, religious songs called kirtan, and long parts from folk plays called yatras. Motilal Babu regularly read the Ramayana to his wife and daughter. One evening, he had just reached the story of Kush and Lav when Tarapada, who could not control himself, came down from the boat’s roof and told Motilal to put the book away. Tarapada then said that he knew a song about Kush and Lav and invited them to listen. He started to sing a panchali. The song, which was sweet like a flute, flowed quickly. The person steering the boat and the rowers came and looked closely through the cabin door. As evening approached, a flow of laughter, sadness, and music filled the evening air. The riverbanks became attentive, and people in boats passing by were attracted for a moment and listened very carefully. When the panchali finished, everyone took a deep breath, wishing it would continue forever. Annapurna, who was crying, deeply wished to hold the boy close to her and bury her face in his hair. Motilal Babu thought to himself that if he could somehow keep this boy, he would make up for not having a son. However, the small girl Charushashi was filled with strong feelings of envy and jealousy.

III

Passage: She was her parents’ only child, sole claimant on their affection. There was no end to her wilfulness and obstinacy. She had her own opinions about food, clothes and hair-styles, but there was no consistency in them. Whenever she was invited out, her mother was terrified that she would make impossible demands over dress. If her hair-style displeased her, to do and redo it made no difference, and merely led to a tantrum.
She was like this with everything. But if she was in a good mood, she was amenable to anything -and would show excessive love for her mother, hugging her, kissing her, laughing in an unbalanced way. The girl was a puzzle.
But now her volatile feelings began to concentrate in fierce animosity towards Tarapada, and she caused exceptional trouble to her parents. At meals she scowled and pushed her plate away she would complain about the cooking, slap the maid, and object to everything. The more that Tarapada’s accomplishments impressed her and others, the more angry she became. She would not admit that he had any virtues at all; undeniable evidence of them made her even more critical. On the night that Tarapada sang about Kush and Lav, Annapurna thought, ‘Wild animals can be tamed by music, so perhaps my daughter will soften.’
“How did you like it, Charu?” she asked. She gave no answer, merely tossed her head, implying: “I didn’t like it at all and shall never like it.”

Word Meanings
Sole claimant: The only one who has a right to something.
wilfulness: prone to disobedience and lack of discipline
obstinacy: stubbornness
Consistency: The quality of always behaving or performing in a similar way; remaining the same.
Terrified: Extremely frightened.
tantrum: a sudden, uncontrolled outburst of anger
amenable: responsive, manageable
Volatile: Likely to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.
Animosity: Strong hostility or ill will.
scowled: looked at someone or something with a very annoyed expression
tame: not wild or dangerous
Tossed her head: Moved her head quickly upwards and backwards, typically as a sign of annoyance or defiance.

Explanation of the above passage— She was the only child her parents had, and she alone claimed all their love. There was no end to how stubborn and uncooperative she was. She had her own ideas about what food she liked, what clothes she wanted to wear, and how her hair should be styled, but her preferences often changed. Whenever she was invited to go out, her mother was very scared that she would make impossible demands about her clothing. If she didn’t like her hairstyle, trying to do it again and again made no difference and only caused her to throw a temper tantrum. She acted this way with everything. But if she was in a good mood, she would agree to anything and would show too much love for her mother, hugging her, kissing her, and laughing in an unbalanced way. This girl was truly confusing. However, her quickly changing feelings now started to focus into strong dislike towards Tarapada, and she caused a lot of problems for her parents. At mealtimes, she would frown and push her plate away; she would complain about the food, hit the maid, and object to everything. The more that Tarapada’s skills impressed her and other people, the angrier she became. She refused to admit he had any good qualities at all; clear proof of his virtues only made her more critical. On the night that Tarapada sang about Kush and Lav, Annapurna thought that since wild animals could be calmed by music, perhaps her daughter would become softer too. Annapurna asked Charu how she liked it. Charu did not give any answer; she simply shook her head, suggesting that she did not like it at all and would never like it.

Passage: Realizing that Charu was jealous, her mother stopped showing affection for Tarapada in front of her. After dark, when Charu had gone to bed after eating early, Annapurna would sit by the door of the cabin and Motilal Babu and Tarapada would sit outside, and at Annapurna’s request Tarapada would sing. With his singing, the goddess of the sleeping, darkened homes on the bank would sink into a trance, and Annapurna’s heart swelled with love and appreciation. But Charu would get up and shout tearfully and angrily, “Mother, I can’t get to sleep with this noise!” She found it quite unbearable to be sent to bed on her own while her parents sat and listened to Tarapada singing.
The natural fierceness of this fiery black-eyed girl fascinated Tarapada. He would tell her stories, sing her songs, play her the flute, make great efforts to win her round – but with no success at all. Only in the afternoons when he bathed in the swollen river, sporting his fair, pure body in a swimming display worthy of a young water-god – only then could she not help being attracted just a little bit. She would watch him then. But she didn’t reveal her interest to anyone, and – born actress that she was – carried on knitting a woollen scarf with apparent indifference to Tarapada’s water-sports.

Word Meanings
trance: a temporary mental condition in which someone is not completely conscious or in control of himself.
swelled: filled
fierceness: menacingly wild
Fascinated: Strongly attracted and interested.
Fiery: Full of fire or strong emotion; passionate.
Win her round: To persuade someone to agree or be friendly with you.
Apparent: Clearly visible or understood; seeming.
Indifference: Lack of interest, concern, or sympathy.

Explanation of the above passage— Realizing that Charu was feeling jealous, her mother stopped showing affection for Tarapada when Charu was present. After it got dark, once Charu had gone to bed after eating early, Annapurna would sit by the door of the boat’s cabin. Motilal Babu and Tarapada would sit outside, and when Annapurna asked, Tarapada would sing. As he sang, the peaceful atmosphere of the dark homes on the riverbank seemed to fall into a deep calm, and Annapurna’s heart filled with love and appreciation. However, Charu would wake up and loudly complain with tears and anger, saying that she could not sleep because of the noise. She found it completely unbearable that she was sent to bed alone while her parents sat and listened to Tarapada singing. Tarapada was fascinated by the strong, intense nature of this girl with fiery black eyes. He would try to win her over by telling her stories, singing her songs, and playing the flute for her, making great efforts, but without any success. It was only in the afternoons when he swam in the swollen river, showing his fair, pure body like a young water-god, that she could not help feeling a little attracted. At these times, she would watch him. But she did not show her interest to anyone. Being naturally skilled at pretending, she continued knitting a woollen scarf, appearing uninterested in Tarapada’s swimming.

IV

Passage: Tarapada took no notice of Nandigram when they passed it. The large boat – sometimes with its sails up, sometimes towed – proceeded slowly on, down rivers and tributaries, and the days of the passengers too flowed with a soft and easy pace through the peace and beauty of the scene. No one was in any kind of hurry; long afternoons were spent bathing and eating; and as soon as dusk fell the boat was moored at a village ghat, by trees buzzing with crickets and aglow with fireflies.
After about ten days of this the boat arrived at Kathaliya. Ponies and a palanquin were sent from the house to receive the zamindar; a guard of honour (with bamboo lāthis) fired rounds of blanks – raucously echoed by the village crows.
Meanwhile Tarapada slipped off the boat and quickly looked round the village. Calling one villager Dada, another Khura, another Didi, and another Masi, he established friendly relations with everyone in a couple of hours. Because he had no normal ties, he could get to know people with amazing ease and speed. Within a few days he had won all hearts.

Word Meanings
Tributaries: Smaller rivers or streams that flow into a larger river.
Pace: The speed at which something happens or moves.
Aglow: Shining with light or a warm color.
Palanquin: A covered couch for one passenger, carried on poles by several men.
Guard of honour: A group of people, usually soldiers or police, who stand as a sign of respect for an important visitor.
Bamboo lāthis: Sticks or staff made of bamboo.
Blanks: Cartridges containing gunpowder but no bullet, used to make noise without firing a projectile.
raucously: in a loud and energetic way
Slipped off: Got off quietly and quickly.
Dada: brother
Khura: uncle
Didi: sister
Masi: aunt

Explanation of the above passage— Tarapada did not pay attention to Nandigram when their boat went past it. The big boat, which sometimes used its sails and was sometimes pulled, moved slowly forward, going along rivers and smaller branches of rivers. The days for the people on the boat also passed in a gentle and calm way through the quiet and beautiful scenery. No one was in any rush; long afternoons were spent by the passengers bathing and eating. As soon as evening arrived, the boat was tied up at a village riverbank, next to trees that were making sounds with crickets and shining with fireflies. After about ten days of traveling like this, the boat reached Kathaliya. Small horses and a covered seat carried by poles called palanquin were sent from the landlord’s house to welcome him. A special group of guards, carrying bamboo sticks, fired empty gunshots, which were loudly repeated by the crows in the village. At the same time, Tarapada quietly got off the boat and quickly explored the village. He spoke to one villager by calling him Dada (elder brother), another Khura (uncle), another Didi (elder sister), and another Masi (aunt), and in just a few hours, he made friends with everyone. Because he did not have regular connections to hold him back, he was able to get to know people very easily and quickly. In a short amount of time, he had gained the affection and trust of everyone.

Passage: He mixed with everyone on equal terms. He was unconventional, yet able to adapt to any situation or work. With boys he was a boy, yet somehow separate and special; with older people he was not a boy, yet not too precocious either, with herders he was a herder, yet also a Brahmin. He joined in with things as if used to them all his life. He’d be chatting in the sweet-shop: the sweet-maker would say, ‘Could you mind the shop for a while? I shan’t be long.’ Cool as a cucumber, Tarapada sat there keeping the flies off the sweet-meats with a leaf. He could even make sweets himself, knew something of weaving, and was not completely ignorant of how to turn a potter’s wheel.
Tarapada reigned over the whole village; there was just one young girl whose hatred he simply could not overcome. Perhaps it was because this girl so fiercely wished him to leave that he stayed on so long. But Charushashi now proved how hard it is to fathom even a juvenile female mind.

Word Meanings
unconventional: unusual
Adapt: To adjust to new conditions.
precocious: mature
Reigned over: To be dominant or in control in a particular place or area.
fathom: understand
Juvenile: Relating to young people.

Explanation of the above passage— He interacted with everyone as if they were all equal. He was unusual, but he could adjust to any situation or task. When he was with boys, he behaved like a boy, but still seemed unique and special. With older people, he did not act like a child, but he also wasn’t too forward or overly mature. When he was with herders, he acted like a herder, but he also kept his identity as a Brahmin. He participated in activities as if he had been doing them his entire life. For example, he would be talking in the sweet-shop. The sweet-maker would then say if he could watch the shop for a short time and he would not take long. Very calmly, Tarapada would sit there, using a leaf to keep flies away from the sweets. He was even able to make sweets himself, knew a little bit about weaving, and was somewhat familiar with how to operate a potter’s wheel. Tarapada became very popular and influential throughout the entire village. However, there was only one young girl whose strong dislike he simply could not overcome. It might have been that because this girl so strongly wanted him to leave, he actually stayed for a longer time. But Charushashi, this girl, showed how difficult it is to understand even a young girl’s mind.

Passage: Bamunthākrun’s daughter Sonamani had been widowed at the age of five; she was Charu’s playmate. She had been ill for a while, and had not been able to go out to see her friend. When she recovered and came to see her again, a rift between them came about for almost no reason.
Charu had been speaking at length about Tarapada: she hoped, by saying what a precious asset he was, to astonish and intrigue her friend. But when she discovered he was known to Sonamani, that he called Bamunthakrun Masi and that Sonamani called him Dada; when she heard that he not only treated mother and daughter to kirtan-tunes on his flute but had, at Sonamani’s request, made her a bamboo flute; that he’d picked her fruits from high branches and flowers from thorny ones; when she heard all this, darts of fire stabbed her. She had thought of Tarapada as their Tarapada – guarded closely, so that ordinary people might glimpse him yet never be able to grasp him: they would admire his beauty and talents from a distance, and Charushashi’s family would gain glory thereby. Why should Sonamani have such easy contact with this singular, divinely favoured Brahmin boy? If Charu’s family had not taken him in, had not looked after him so, how would Sonamani ever have seen him? Sonamani’s Dada indeed! She burned all over at the thought.
Why was the Charu who had tried to strike the boy down with arrows of hatred so anxious to claim sole rights over him? Understand who will.

Word Meanings
Widowed: A woman whose husband has died.
Rift: A serious break in friendly relations between people or groups.
Asset: A useful or valuable thing, person, or quality.
Astonish: To surprise someone very greatly.
intrigue: fascinate
Kirtan-tunes: Devotional songs or chants, often with musical accompaniment.
Stabbed: To cause a sudden, sharp, or piercing sensation or feeling.
Guarded closely: Protected carefully, not allowed to be easily approached or shared.
Glimpse: To see something or someone briefly or partially.
Grasp: To connect with or possess.
Glory: High renown or honor won by notable achievements.
Divinely favoured: Blessed or given special preference by God or a higher power.
Burned all over: Felt intense anger, jealousy, or agitation throughout her body.
Arrows of hatred: Words or actions intended to cause harm or express strong dislike.
Anxious: Eager or concerned
Claim sole rights over: To demand exclusive ownership or control over something or someone.

Explanation of the above passage— Bamunthākrun’s daughter, Sonamani, became a widow when she was only five years old; she was Charu’s friend. Sonamani had been unwell for some time and therefore had not been able to visit her friend. When she recovered from her illness and came to see Charu again, a disagreement started between them for almost no clear reason. Charu had been talking at length about Tarapada. She had hoped that by describing how valuable and special he was, she would surprise and interest her friend. But when Charu discovered that Sonamani already knew him, and that he called Bamunthākrun ‘Masi’ (aunt) and Sonamani called him ‘Dada’ (elder brother), she became very angry. She was also furious when she heard that Tarapada not only played kirtan-tunes on his flute for both the mother and daughter but had even made a bamboo flute for Sonamani when she asked him to. Furthermore, she heard that he had picked fruits for Sonamani from high branches and flowers from thorny ones. When she heard all this, sharp feelings of anger deeply affected her. Charu had believed that Tarapada belonged exclusively to their family, ‘their Tarapada’, and should be closely protected so that ordinary people might only get a brief look at him but never be able to truly connect with him. She thought that people would admire his beauty and talents from a distance, and by doing so, Charushashi’s family would gain honor. She wondered why Sonamani should have such easy access to this unique, specially favored Brahmin boy. She also reasoned that if Charu’s family had not taken him in and looked after him so well, Sonamani would never have even seen him. The thought of Sonamani calling him ‘Dada’ made her intensely agitated all over. It was puzzling why Charu, who had previously tried to hurt Tarapada with her strong dislike, was now so eager to claim sole ownership over him. It was difficult to understand her contradictory feelings.

Passage: Later that day Charu had a serious rift with Sonamani over another trivial matter. She marched into Tarapada’s room, found his beloved flute, and callously jumped and stamped on it. She was still doing so when Tarapada came in. He was amazed by the image of destruction that the girl presented.
“Charu, why are you smashing my flute?” he asked.
“I want to smash it! I’m going to smash it!” shouted Charu with red eyes and flushed face; and, stamping unnecessarily on the already smashed flute, she burst into loud sobs and ran from the room. Tarapada picked up the pieces, turned them this way and that, but it was useless. To wreak destruction on his old, innocent flute was so absurd that he burst out laughing. Charushashi intrigued him more every day.
He was also intrigued by the English illustrated books in Motilal Babu’s library. Tarapada had considerable knowledge of the world, but he could not enter the world of these pictures at all. He tried to do so in his imagination, but found no satisfaction in this. Seeing his interest in these books, Motilal said one day, “Would you like to learn English?
You’ll understand these pictures then.”
“I would like to learn it,” he replied at once.
Motilal Babu happily engaged the headmaster of the village secondary school – Ramratan Babu – to teach the boy English each evening.

Word Meanings
Trivial: Of little importance or value; insignificant.
Marched: Walked in a purposeful, determined, or forceful way.
Callously: In a way that shows an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.
smashing: crushing
flushed face: blushing
stamping: putting one’s foot and noisily down heavy and noisily
sobs: crying with sharp breaths
wreak: damage

Explanation of the above passage— Later that day, Charu had a serious disagreement with Sonamani about a small and unimportant issue. She walked quickly and purposefully into Tarapada’s room, found his favorite flute, and cruelly jumped on it and pressed her feet onto it repeatedly. She was still doing this when Tarapada entered. He was very surprised by the sight of the girl causing damage. He asked Charu why she was breaking his flute. Charu loudly shouted with red eyes and a flushed face that she wanted to break it and was going to break it. Then, pressing her feet pointlessly on the already broken flute, she suddenly began to cry loudly and quickly left the room. Tarapada picked up the broken parts, turned them over and examined them, but it was no use; they couldn’t be fixed. To cause such damage to his old, innocent flute was so foolish and unreasonable that he started laughing out loud. Charushashi made him more curious every day. He was also curious about the English picture books in Motilal Babu’s library. Tarapada had a good amount of knowledge about the world, but he could not understand the world shown in these pictures at all. He tried to imagine it, but he did not find any contentment or pleasure in this. Seeing his interest in these books, Motilal said one day if he would like to learn English, then he would understand these pictures. Tarapada immediately replied that he would like to learn it. Motilal Babu happily hired the main teacher of the village’s high school, named Ramratan Babu, to teach the boy English every evening.

V

Passage: Tarapada set about learning English with great concentration and retention. It released him into a hitherto inaccessible realm unconnected with his former world. The local people saw no more of him; at dusk, when he went to the empty riverside to pace swiftly up and down reciting his lessons, his boyish devotees mournfully watched from a distance; they dared not disturb his studies.
Charu too did not see much of him now. Formerly Tarapada ate in the women’s quarters, under Annapurna’s loving gaze; but because this could take a long time he asked Motilal Babu to arrange for him to eat outside them. Annapurna was hurt by this and objected, but Motilal was so pleased by Tarapada’s keenness to learn that he agreed to the new arrangement.
Charu now insisted that she too wanted to learn English. At first her parents were amused by their wayward daughter’s new idea, lovingly laughed at it; but its absurdity was soon washed away by tears. Doting parents that they were, they were forced to give in, and she started to study alongside Tarapada with the same tutor.

Word Meanings
Retention: The ability to remember information.
Hitherto: Until now or until the point in time under discussion.
Inaccessible realm: A place or area that was impossible to reach or enter before.
Devotees: People who are very dedicated to someone or something.
Mournfully: In a sad or sorrowful way.
Formerly: In the past; previously.
Keenness: The quality of being eager or enthusiastic.
wayward: headstrong
absurdity: lacking truth or reason
Doting: Extremely and uncritically fond of someone; loving to an excessive degree.

Explanation of the above passage— Tarapada started learning English with a lot of focus and remembered it very well. This new learning took him to a place he had never been able to reach before, a world completely different from his old life. The people from the village no longer saw him often; in the evening, when he went to the quiet riverside to walk quickly back and forth while saying his lessons, his young followers sadly watched from a distance. They did not dare to interrupt his studies. Charu also did not see much of him now. Before, Tarapada used to eat in the women’s area, watched lovingly by Annapurna. But because this process could take a long time, he asked Motilal Babu to let him eat outside that area. Annapurna was upset by this request and disagreed, but Motilal was so pleased by Tarapada’s strong desire to learn that he agreed to the new arrangement. Now, Charu also insisted that she wanted to learn English. At first, her parents found their disobedient daughter’s new idea amusing and laughed about it with affection. However, her parents soon gave in because her silly idea quickly turned into tears. Since they were very loving parents, they had no choice, and she began to study alongside Tarapada with the same private teacher.

Passage: Study, however, was alien to her restless nature. She learned nothing herself – merely disrupted Tarapada’s learning. She fell far behind, couldn’t learn anything by heart, but couldn’t bear to be behind! If Tarapada overtook her and moved on to a new lesson, she was furious and burst into tears. When he finished an old book and bought a new one, she had to buy the new book too. In his spare time he would sit in his room learning and writing his lessons. The jealous girl couldn’t stand this – she would secretly come and pour ink on his exercise-book, steal his pen, even tear from the book the passage he had been set to learn.
Tarapada bore most of this with amusement: if she went too far he slapped her, but he was quite unable to control her.
A chance occurrence saved him. One day, truly annoyed, he tore up his ink-spilled exercise-book and sat gloomily. Charu came to the door, and prepared herself for a beating. But nothing happened: Tarapada went on sitting in silence. The girl went in and out of the room. Several times she came so close that Tarapada could, if he had wished, easily have thwacked her on the back. But he did not do that, and remained solemn. The girl was in a quandary. How to ask for forgiveness was something she had never learnt; yet she was extremely anxious for forgiveness. Finally, seeing no other way, she took a piece of the torn exercise-book, sat down next to Tarapada and wrote in large round letters, I will never pour ink on your exercise-book again.’ She then made elaborate efforts to attract his attention. At this Tarapada could not contain himself any more, and he burst out laughing. The girl dashed from the room, overcome with shame and anger. Only if she had been able to expunge from all time the paper on which she had humbled herself, would her fury have been eased.

Word Meanings
Alien: Strange or unfamiliar; not natural to someone.
Restless: Unable to stay still or calm; constantly moving.
Disrupted: Interrupted or disturbed something from continuing normally.
Overtook: Went past someone or something.
Bore: Tolerated or endured something difficult.
gloomily: sadly
thwacked: hit someone hard
quandary: dilemma
Contain himself: To control one’s feelings, especially to stop oneself from laughing or crying.
Dashed: Ran or moved very quickly.
expunge: remove completely
Humbled herself: Made herself appear less important or proud; showed humility.

Explanation of the above passage— Learning, however, was not natural for her energetic personality. She herself did not learn anything; she only interrupted Tarapada’s studies. She fell very far behind, could not memorize anything by heart, but she could not tolerate being behind! If Tarapada went ahead of her and started a new lesson, she would become very angry and begin to cry loudly. When he finished an old book and bought a new one, she also had to buy the new book. In his free time, he would sit in his room studying and writing his lessons. The envious girl could not stand this. She would secretly go and pour ink on his notebook, take his pen, and even rip out the part of the book he was supposed to study. Tarapada mostly dealt with this behavior with a sense of humor. If she went too far, he would lightly hit her, but he was completely unable to control her. A lucky event saved him. One day, feeling truly irritated, he tore up his ink-spilled notebook and sat sadly. Charu approached the door, ready to be hit. But nothing happened: Tarapada continued to sit quietly. The girl moved in and out of the room repeatedly. Many times she came near enough that Tarapada, if he had wanted to, could have easily hit her on the back. However, he did not do so, and remained serious. The girl was in a difficult situation. She had never learned how to ask for forgiveness; yet, she greatly wished to be forgiven. Eventually, finding no other solution, she took a piece of the ripped notebook, sat beside Tarapada, and wrote in big, round letters that she would never pour ink on his notebook again. She then made detailed attempts to get him to notice her. At this point, Tarapada could no longer control himself, and he suddenly started laughing very loudly. The girl quickly ran out of the room, feeling completely overpowered by embarrassment and fury. Only if she could have erased forever the paper on which she had made herself look humble, would her anger have lessened.

Passage: During this period Sonamani had once or twice, with her heart in her mouth, lurked outside the lesson-room. She was close to her friend Charushashi in most matters, but with regard to Tarapada she feared and distrusted her. At moments when Charu was in the women’s quarters, she would stand timidly outside Tarapada’s door. He would look up from his book and say tenderly, “What is it, Sona, what’s up? How is Masi?”
Sonamani would say, “You haven’t been to see us for a long time – Mother wishes you would sometime. She has a backache, she can’t come to you.”
Charu would perhaps now appear. Sonamani was flustered: she felt like a thief. Charu would scowl and shriek at her, “Well, Sona – coming to disturb our studies! I’ll tell my father!” As if she herself was Tarapada’s guardian, whose sole object was to watch him day and night in case his studies were disturbed! But God was not unaware of what her actual motive was in coming to Tarapada’s room at this odd time, and Tarapada also knew it well. Poor Sonamani fumbled for false explanations; when Charu venomously called her a liar she withdrew, sick at heart, defeated. The kindly Tarapada would call her and say, “Sona, I’ll come to your house this evening.” Charu hissed back like a snake, “How can you go? What about your lessons? I’ll tell the teacher!”
Undaunted by Charu’s threat, Tarapada spent a couple of evenings at Bāmunthakrun’s house. On the third day Charu, without further warning, quietly bolted his door; and, fetching the padlock from her mother’s spice-box, locked him in. She kept him prisoner for the whole evening, only opening the door when it was time to eat. Tarapada was angrily silent, and was about to go out without eating. Then the passionate, overwrought girl clasped her hands and cried out repeatedly, “I promise you – cross my heart – that I won’t do it again. Please, I beg you, eat before you go!” When even this had no effect she began to wail, and he was forced to turn back and eat.

Word Meanings
Lurked: Waited or moved secretly, especially to hide.
timidly: lacking courage or confidence
flustered: made somebody feel nervous and confused
scowl: make an angry expression
Shriek: To utter a high-pitched cry or scream
fumbled: made awkward attempts
Fumbled for false explanations: Tried nervously to give untrue reasons.
venomously: with anger and hate
Sick at heart: Very sad or discouraged
Hissed back like a snake: Replied sharply and angrily.
Undaunted: Not discouraged
Bolted his door: Locked his door with a bolt
Padlock: A portable lock with a U-shaped shackle.
passionate: having strong feelings
overwrought: agitated
Clasped her hands: Held her hands tightly together.
Cross my heart: A promise often made with a gesture of crossing one’s chest, implying sincerity.
Had no effect: Did not make any difference or change anything.

Explanation of the above passage—During this time, Sonamani had, once or twice, nervously waited outside the lesson-room. She was close to her friend Charushashi in most things, but she was afraid of and did not trust her when it came to Tarapada. When Charu was in the women’s living area, Sonamani would stand nervously outside Tarapada’s door. He would look up from his book and kindly ask her what was wrong and how her mother was. Sonamani would say that he had not visited them for a long time, and her mother wished he would come sometime because her mother had a backache and could not visit him. Charu would perhaps appear at that moment. Sonamani would become flustered and feel like a thief. Charu would frown and shout at her, asking why Sonamani was disturbing their studies and threatening to tell her father. It was as if Charu herself was Tarapada’s protector, whose only goal was to watch him constantly to make sure his studies were not disturbed. But it was clear that God knew Charu’s real reason for coming to Tarapada’s room at that strange time, and Tarapada also knew it well. Poor Sonamani struggled to give false explanations. When Charu angrily called her a liar, Sonamani left, feeling heartbroken and defeated. The kind Tarapada would call out to her and say that he would come to her house that evening. Charu would react angrily like a snake, asking how he could go and what about his lessons, threatening to tell the teacher.Not bothered by Charu’s threat, Tarapada spent a couple of evenings at Bamunthakrun’s house. On the third day, Charu, without any warning, quietly locked his door. She then took the padlock from her mother’s spice-box and locked him inside. She kept him prisoner for the whole evening, only opening the door when it was time to eat. Tarapada was silently angry and was about to leave without eating. Then the emotional and upset girl clasped her hands together and cried out repeatedly that she promised she would not do it again, begging him to eat before he left. When even this had no effect, she started to cry loudly, and he was forced to go back and eat.

VI

Passage: Almost two years passed like this. Tarapada had never moored himself to anyone for so long. Maybe his studies had a hold on him; or maybe he was changing as he grew up, and a stable existence in a comfortable house had more appeal than before. Maybe the beauty of his study companion – even if she had been constantly bad-tempered – was exerting an unconscious influence.
Meanwhile Charu had reached the age of eleven. Motilal Babu had sought out two or three good marriage offers. Now that she had reached marriageable age, he placed a ban on English books and outside visits.
She kicked up a terrible fuss at these new restrictions.
Then one day Annapurna called Motilal and said, “Why search outside for a groom? Tarapada would make a fine husband. And your daughter likes him.”
Motilal Babu was astonished at this suggestion. ‘That’s impossible,’ he said. “We don’t know anything about his family. She’s my only daughter:
I want to marry her well.”

Word Meanings
Exerting: having or using a strong effect or influence.
Unconscious influence: an effect on someone’s thoughts or behavior without them being aware of it.
Sought out: searched for and found someone or something.
Kicked up a terrible fuss: made a very strong and noisy protest or complaint.
astonished: surprised

Explanation of the above passage— It was observed that nearly two years went by in this manner. Tarapada had never stayed attached to any person for such an extended period. Perhaps his educational pursuits had a strong influence on him; or it was possible that he was undergoing changes as he matured, and living in a steady, pleasant home seemed more attractive to him than it had previously. It could be that the attractiveness of the person he studied with – even though she was always ill-tempered – was having an effect on him without him realizing it. At the same time, Charu had become eleven years old. Motilal Babu had looked for two or three suitable proposals for marriage for her. Since she had now reached the age when she could be married, he prohibited her from reading English books and going on visits outside the house. She created a very strong protest about these new rules. Then, one day, Annapurna called Motilal and asked why they were looking for a groom elsewhere, stating that Tarapada would be an excellent husband and that their daughter liked him. Motilal Babu was greatly surprised by this idea. He responded that it was impossible because they knew nothing about Tarapada’s family, and since she was his only daughter, he desired to arrange a good marriage for her.

Passage: Some people came from the zamindar’s house at Raydanga to look at the girl. Efforts were made to dress Charu up: she shut herself in her room and refused to come out. Motilal Babu begged and rebuked her from outside, but without result. Finally he had to lie to the delegation from Raydanga: his daughter had suddenly fallen ill, and could not be seen today. They assumed from this lame excuse that the girl had some kind of defect.
Motilal Babu started to reflect that Tarapada was indeed good looking, good in every outward aspect; he could keep him at home, so his only daughter would not have to go to someone else’s house. He realized that his truculent daughter’s foibles, which he and his wife could smile at, would not be received so well by in-laws.

Word Meanings
Delegation: A group of people chosen or elected to represent others.
rebuked: spoke angrily
truculent: aggressively defiant
Lame excuse: A weak, unconvincing, or unbelievable reason given for something.
foibles: weaknesses
In-laws: The relatives of one’s husband or wife.

Explanation of the above passage— Some people arrived from the landlord’s residence in Raydanga with the intention of seeing Charu. Attempts were made to prepare Charu by dressing her, but she closed herself inside her room and declined to come out. Motilal Babu pleaded with her and criticized her from outside, but his efforts yielded no positive outcome. Ultimately, he was compelled to tell a falsehood to the group of representatives from Raydanga, explaining that his daughter had suddenly become unwell and could not be seen on that particular day. The visitors inferred from this weak excuse that the girl might have some form of imperfection. Motilal Babu then began to consider that Tarapada was indeed pleasing in appearance and seemed excellent in all outward characteristics. He thought that by keeping Tarapada at home, his only daughter would not be required to move to another family’s house after marriage. He recognized that his aggressive daughter’s minor eccentricities, which he and his wife found amusing, would probably not be well-received by her husband’s family.

Passage: After lengthy discussion, Motilal and Annapurna sent à man to Tarapada’s village to find out about his family. The information came that it was poor, but high-caste. Motilal Babu then sent a marriage proposal to the boy’s mother and brothers. They were well-pleased, and agreed to it at once.
Back at Kathaliya, Motilal and Annapurna discussed the day and hour of the wedding, but the naturally cautious Motilal kept the whole matter secret.
Charu, though, could not be restricted. She sometimes burst into Tarapada’s room like a cavalry-charge, disturbing his studies with crossness, eagerness or scorn. Sometimes, detached and independent though he was, he felt a strange stirring in his heart at this, a sort of electrical impulse. Till now he had floated lightly and serenely without impediment on Time’s stream: sometimes now he was snared by strange distracting day-dreams. He would leave his studies and go into Motilal Babu’s library and flick through the pages of the illustrated books; the imaginary world which he mixed with these pictures was much changed – much more highly-coloured than before. He could not laugh at Charu’s strange behaviour quite as he had done in the past. When she was bad he never thought of beating her now. This deep change, this powerful feeling of attraction, was like a new dream.

Word Meanings
Cavalry-charge: energetic and disruptive entry
crossness: anger
Scorn: A feeling or expression of contempt or disdain; treating something as worthless.
Stirring: Creating or arousing a strong feeling or emotion.
Electrical impulse: A sudden, strong feeling or surge of emotion, like a jolt of electricity.
Serenely: In a calm, peaceful, and untroubled manner.
Impediment: A hindrance or obstruction in doing something.
Snared: trapped

Explanation of the above passage— After a very long discussion, Motilal Babu and Annapurna sent a person to Tarapada’s village to gather information about his family. The report they received stated that his family was poor, but belonged to a high social caste. Following this, Motilal Babu sent a marriage proposal to Tarapada’s mother and brothers. They were very happy and agreed to the proposal immediately. Back in Kathaliya, Motilal Babu and Annapurna talked about the date and time of the wedding. However, Motilal, who was naturally careful, kept the entire matter a secret. Despite this secrecy, Charu could not be controlled. She would sometimes burst into Tarapada’s room like a sudden, forceful cavalry attack, interrupting his studies with her bad temper, intense eagerness, or feelings of contempt. Even though Tarapada was usually separate and not emotionally involved, he sometimes felt a strange feeling growing in his heart, like a sudden jolt. Until then, he had moved through life calmly and peacefully without any obstacles. But now, he was sometimes caught by pleasant thoughts that distracted him. He would stop studying and go to Motilal Babu’s library to quickly look through the pages of the illustrated books. The imaginary world he connected with these pictures became very different – much more vivid and exaggerated than before. He could no longer laugh at Charu’s strange behavior in the way he used to. When she misbehaved, he never even thought about physically punishing her anymore. This major change, this very strong feeling of attraction, was like a new hope or vision for his future.

Passage: Motilal Babu fixed the wedding for the month of Sravan, and sent word to Tarapada’s mother and brothers; but he did not inform Tarapada himself. He told his moktär in Calcutta to hire a trumpet-and-drum band, and he ordered everything else that would be needed for the wedding.
Meanwhile at Kurulkata, on the Nag family estate, a famous chariot festival was due to be held. One moonlit evening Tarapa- da went to the ghat and saw, on the swift flood-tide, boats with merry-go-rounds and jatra-troupes, and cargo-boats rapidly making for the fair. An orchestra from Calcutta was practising loudly as it passed; the jatra-troupe was singing to violin accom- paniment, shouting out the beats; boatmen from lands to the west split the sky with cymbals and thudding drums. Such excitement! Then clouds from the east covered the moon with their huge black sails; an east wind blew sharply; cloud after cloud rolled by; the river gushed and swelled; darkness thickened in the swaying riverside trees; frogs croaked; crickets rasped like wood saws. To Tarapada the whole world seemed like a chari- ot-festival: wheels turning, flags flying, earth trembling, clouds swirling, wind rushing, river flowing, boats sailing, songs rising! There were rumbles of thunder, and slashes of lightning in the sky: the smell of torrential rain approached from the dark distance. But Kathaliya village next to the river ignored all this: she shut her doors, turned out her lamps and went to sleep.

Word Meanings
moktar: man of business or overseer, supervisor
Chariot festival: A religious festival where a deity’s idol is pulled on a large, decorated chariot.
Swift flood-tide: A fast-moving, rising water level in a river, often due to heavy rains or tides.
Merry-go-rounds: Rotating amusement rides, often found at fairs.
Cargo-boats: Boats used for carrying goods or merchandise.
Fair: A gathering of stalls and amusements for public entertainment or trade, often associated with a festival.
Orchestra: A large group of musicians playing various instruments.
Accompaniment: A musical part that supports or partners a main part.
Shouting out the beats: To vocally emphasize or call out the rhythm or timing in music or performance.
Split the sky: A figurative expression meaning to make a very loud noise that seems to fill the sky.
Thudding drums: Drums making a deep, heavy, dull sound.
Huge black sails (of clouds): A metaphorical description of large, dark clouds resembling ship sails, suggesting their vastness and movement.
Gushed and swelled: The river flowed out rapidly and increased in size or volume.
Thickened: Darkness became denser or more intense.
Croaked: The low, rough sound made by a frog.
Rasped like wood saws: Made a harsh, grating sound, similar to a saw cutting wood.
Rumbles of thunder: Deep, continuous, resonant sounds made by thunder.
Slashes of lightning: Quick, bright streaks of light in the sky during a thunderstorm.
Torrential rain: Very heavy and continuous rainfall.

Explanation of the above passage— Motilal Babu decided the wedding would be in the month of Sravan. He informed Tarapada’s mother and brothers about it, but he did not tell Tarapada himself. Motilal Babu also instructed his lawyer in Calcutta to hire a band with trumpets and drums, and he ordered all other necessary items for the wedding ceremony. Meanwhile, a famous chariot festival was going to be held at Kurulkata, on the Nag family’s property. One evening, when the moon was bright, Tarapada went to the riverbank. He saw many boats on the fast-moving, high tide, carrying merry-go-rounds and jatra (folk theater) groups, and cargo boats quickly heading towards the festival. An orchestra from Calcutta was loudly practicing music as its boat passed by. The jatra group was singing while a violin played along, and they were shouting out the rhythm. Boatmen from the western regions made very loud music with cymbals and heavy drums, filling the sky with sound. There was a lot of excitement! Then, large, dark clouds from the east covered the moon like huge black sails. A sharp east wind began to blow, and more clouds kept rolling in. The river flowed strongly and became full, and the darkness deepened among the moving trees along the riverbank. Frogs made croaking sounds, and crickets made loud, scratching noises like wood saws. To Tarapada, the entire world seemed like a big chariot festival: wheels were turning, flags were flying, the ground was shaking, clouds were swirling, wind was rushing, the river was flowing, boats were sailing, and songs were rising! There were distant sounds of thunder and flashes of lightning in the sky. The distinct smell of heavy rain coming from far away filled the air. However, Kathaliya village, situated near the river, paid no attention to all this activity. The villagers closed their doors, put out their lamps, and went to sleep. The next morning, Tarapada’s mother and brothers arrived at Kathaliya.

Passage: The following morning Tarapada’s mother and brothers arrived at Kathaliya; and that same morning three large boats from Calcutta, laden with things for the wedding, moored at the zamindar’s ghāt; and very early, that same morning, Sonamani brought some mango-juice preserve in paper and some pickle wrapped in a leaf, and timidly stood outside Tarapada’s room – but Tarapada was not to be seen. In a cloudy monsoon night, before love and emotional ties could encircle him completely, this Brahmin boy, thief of all hearts in the village, had returned to the unconstraining, unemotional arms of his mother Earth.

Word Meanings
Laden: Heavily loaded or weighed down.
unconstraining: unrestraining
Unemotional arms: A figurative expression describing something that offers embrace or comfort without emotional ties or demands.

Explanation of the above passage— That same morning, three large boats from Calcutta, loaded with things for the wedding, docked at the landlord’s riverbank. And very early on that same morning, Sonamani quietly brought some mango-juice preserve wrapped in paper and some pickle wrapped in a leaf, and stood nervously outside Tarapada’s room. But Tarapada was nowhere to be found. During a cloudy monsoon night, before he could be completely surrounded by love and emotional connections, this Brahmin boy, who had won the hearts of everyone in the village, had gone back to the free, impersonal embrace of nature, or Mother Earth.

Conclusion

Atithi /Guest is a story by Rabindranath Tagore. It follows Tarapada, a young boy who loves nature and adventure. He does not want to be trapped by the expectations of home life. The story explores themes such as the desire to explore, the need for freedom, and the struggle between personal wishes and societal pressures, especially through Tarapada’s experiences with a wealthy landlord’s family. Students can take help from this post to understand the story and also learn the difficult word meanings to get a better grasp of Atithi /Guest. This lesson includes a summary of the lesson which will help students of ISC class 12, Prism book to get a quick recap of the story.

Also See:

Prism Book Lesson Explanation

Prism Book Question Answers

Prism Book Character Sketch

Rhapsody Book Poem Explanation

Rhapsody Book Question Answers

Also See:

ISC Class 12 English Summary and Lesson Notes

Atithi/Guest Summary, Lesson Explanation, Word Meanings | ISC Class 12 English Prism Book

Atithi/Guest Summary and Explanation

ISC Class 12 English Chapter Atithi/Guest Summary, Theme, Explanation along with Difficult Word Meanings from English Prism Book

ISC Class 12 English Chapter – Atithi /Guest

Atithi /Guest Summary

Summary of the Lesson Atithi /Guest in Hindi

Theme of the Lesson Atithi /Guest

Atithi /Guest Lesson Explanation

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II

III

IV

V

VI

Conclusion

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