Kamalacharan's Friends: A Glimpse into Premchand's Masterpiece

Friends, our nation has been a birthplace and a stage for great individuals throughout the ages, brimming with virtues such as sages, poets, writers, musicians, and many more. The countless works created by these great figures are invaluable treasures. Today's youth, in this digital age, seem to be lost somewhere, and we are drifting further away from our heritage and precious legacy. subkuz.com consistently strives to bring you not only these invaluable treasures but also entertaining stories, news, and global insights. Presented before you is a truly inspiring story from the pen of the renowned author, Munshi Premchand.

Kamalacharan's Friends

Just as a woman's forehead is adorned with the crimson hue of sindoor, just as the arrival of Virjan brought a new vibrancy to Premвати's home. Suvāmā had instilled in her such exceptional qualities that anyone who saw her was captivated. Even Sevatī's friend, Rānī, had to acknowledge that Premvatī's young daughter had overshadowed all of them. Sevatī conversed with her daily, and her spirits remained high. While she prided herself on her singing, even in that sphere Virjan had excelled. Now, Kamalacharan's friends began urging him, "Brother, you've brought a new bride into the house; consider your friends too. We hear you have found a radiant beauty." Kamalacharan, with money newly received from his in-laws, jingled in his pocket, and cheerfully said, "Come, feast! Drink your fill! Just, please be mindful of keeping the noise down. If word gets back to the house about your rowdiness, they'll think you're hooligans." Since her arrival, I feel like I've lost my senses. I tell you, she's quite proficient in English, Persian, Sanskrit – all sorts of eloquent conversations! I fear she might ask me something in English, or start conversing in Persian; what else can I do besides stare? So, I'm running around trying to preserve my composure."

Kamalacharan's circle of friends was vast, encompassing the city's pigeon-fanciers, cock-fighters, and rogues. But among these, only five distinguished gentlemen were truly close friends, all boisterous and reckless. Among them, Mia Majid was the most educated, practicing law in court. Whatever he received, he'd spend on liquor. Second was Hamid Khan, who had inherited a substantial fortune but squandered it all in indulgence within three years. He now made a habit of dressing up and wandering around, spitting and cursing. Third was Hazrat Syed Hussain, a confirmed gambler, an ardent devotee of liquor, and a high-stakes player; it was commonplace for him to handle women's jewelry. The final two were Rāmsēvaklāl and Chandūlāl, both clerks in the court. Their salaries were modest, but their additional income was substantial. Half went to drink, and the other to lavish spending. Whether people at home were hungry or seeking alms, they were concerned only with their own pleasures.

Arrangements had been made. When the deputy commissioner settled down at eight o'clock, the five of them gathered and began drinking together. All five were seasoned drinkers, and the influence of alcohol was now palpable. They began to speak more freely.

Majid: "Brother Kamalacharan, tell the truth; did your heart not rejoice at the sight of this woman?"

Kamalacharan: "Why are you teasing me now?"

Rāmsēvak: "Why aren't you telling us? What is the big deal in it?"

Kamalacharan: "Tell what? Should I expose my head? I only had one fleeting glimpse of her through a crack in the door. Her image is still vivid in my mind."

Chandūlāl: "My friend, you're incredibly fortunate."

Kamalacharan: "I was so overwhelmed that I almost fell. Treat her like a goddess, I say."

Majid: "Then, when will this friendship come in handy? Let us also have a glimpse of her."

Syed: "Indeed, friendship means removing all barriers between us."

Chandūlāl: "What barriers are there in friendship? Look at the British; as soon as a wife steps down from the carriage, the companions start shaking hands."

Rāmsēvak: "I can't be comfortable without seeing her."

Kamalacharan: (Slapping his thigh) "Your tongue will be cut out, do you understand?"

Rāmsēvak: "There's no problem; my eyes will still be able to see."

Majid: "Kamalacharan, there is no need to be offended. It's your duty at this moment to meet your friends' expectations."

Kamalacharan: "Oh, I've always done so."

Chandūlāl: "Well, my lion. These are the words of a true man. Shall we make our preparations?"

Kamalacharan: "Yes, just smear some soot on your faces. That's all."

Syed: "So, we'll decide this very day."

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