Munshi Premchand's "The Office of Advice"

Munshi Premchand's Priceless Tale: The Office of Advice

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Presented here is a priceless story by Munshi Premchand, titled:

*The Office of Advice*

Baboo Akshay Kumar was a renowned lawyer in Patna, approaching the rank of Rai Bahadur. As is often said of prominent figures, Baboo Saheb’s youth was marked by poverty. Mothers and fathers would scold their wayward children, often using Baboo Akshay Kumar as an example – "Look at Baboo Akshay Kumar; today, he has elephants at his doorstep, but yesterday, he lacked oil for studying, burning straw to light his way, and memorizing lessons by the dim light of street lanterns." Thus, knowledge comes. Some perceptive observers recounted seeing Baboo Akshay Kumar study by the light of fireflies, a testament to how even flickering fireflies or the warmth of straw could provide enough light to illuminate the path to wisdom. The decision on its efficacy lay in the minds of those who witnessed it. In essence, Akshay Kumar's youth was not one of privilege, nor did the era of his legal practice bring the prosperity one might have expected. It was, for years, a period of drought; the hope that the black gown would become a wish-granting cow, that all the blessings of the world would flock to him, was false. The black gown could not brighten his black fortune. Many years passed in the anticipation of better times; when invitations to garden parties and prominent positions in public gatherings arrived, his youth had faded, and he had to contemplate the need for a turban to adorn his graying hair. Most importantly, the arrival of the beautiful and cheerful Hemwati, whose presence fulfilled Baboo Akshay Kumar's last remaining aspiration.

Just as generosity can mask a person's flaws, stinginess obscures their virtues. A miser is surrounded by enemies and lacks any true friends. Everyone hates him. While he typically does not cause harm, and is often peaceful, respectful, and self-respecting, greed is a black colour that no other color, no matter how bright, can overcome. Baboo Akshay Kumar was renowned for his stinginess, though this reputation, as is often the case, came from the envious. Those labeled as miserly are, ironically, often the subject of much envy. If Baboo Akshay Kumar held pennies tightly, what harm did that cause others? If his house lacked ornate decorations, if his service wasn't filled with sycophantic servants, if he didn’t ride in a fancy carriage to court, what harm did that cause others? He believed that if you focus on saving pennies, the larger sums will naturally follow, a principle he adhered to staunchly. It was these pennies that had nourished his ambition and his youth. Such precious gifts as eyesight and health were bought with these same pennies. Though he held them tightly, perhaps he should have cherished them gently.

But the beautiful and cheerful Hemwati had the opposite nature. Like her sisters, she craved comfort and luxury. Baboo Akshay Kumar, however, was not so naive or austere as to not appreciate this desire (in fact, he was sometimes touched by her beauty and adornment); yet, when Hemwati, disregarding his advice, crossed a certain threshold, Baboo Saheb would have to, in one way or another, spend some of his legal prowess to safeguard her.

One day, upon returning from court, Baboo Akshay Kumar found a brightly colored envelope in Hemwati's hand. Inside was a delicate, pink invitation. He said, "These people are always finding some newfangled schemes; this dramatic performance was quite unnecessary, in my opinion."

Hemwati, accustomed to such comments, smiled and replied, "What better occasion for joy?" Akshay Kumar understood the need for a more in-depth discussion and composed himself, saying, "My dear, passing the B.A. exam is no small feat; thousands of young people pass every year. If it were my brother, I would simply pat him on the back and say, 'Well done! You worked hard.' I wouldn't even think of suggesting he participate in a play. What could Dr. Saheb have been thinking?"

Hemwati: "I have to go."

Akshay Kumar: "Why? Have you made a promise?"

Hemwati: "The doctor's wife herself came."

Akshay Kumar: "Then, my dear, you should visit their home sometime, but why the need to go so soon?"

Hemwati: "I have been offered the role of the heroine, and I have accepted."

With pride, Hemwati looked at her husband, but Akshay Kumar wasn't overjoyed. This was not the first time Hemwati had taken on the role of Shakuntala, and both times, Baboo Saheb had incurred significant expenses. He feared that the theatre company would submit a bill of two hundred rupees. This was a concern that needed immediate attention. Gently, he took Hemwati's hand and spoke softly, lovingly, "My love, you have again undertaken this challenge. You have given no thought to the expense and hardship. Nor have you considered how much trouble this is causing your beloved." He continued, "My dear, these gatherings are ethically questionable; they sow the seeds of envy, encourage gossip, and foster rivalry. 'That lady is beautiful, so it's my duty to be jealous of her!' My love, God forbid one harbors malice, but it is not within one's power to avoid becoming the target of one's envy. I fear your captivating beauty will scorch and consume many hearts. My beloved Hemwati, I regret that you have accepted this invitation without consulting me. I am certain that if you knew I disapproved, you would not have accepted."