Friends, our nation has, for centuries, been a birthplace and a stage for great individuals—rishis, munis, poets, writers, musicians, and more. The countless works created by these luminaries are invaluable treasures. Today's youth, in this digital age, seem to be lost somewhere, drifting further from our heritage and precious legacies. subkuz.com is consistently committed to bringing you these invaluable treasures along with captivating stories, news, and insights from around the world. Presented here is a profound and inspiring story by the renowned author, Munshi Premchand.
Transformation
Kamalacharan somehow managed to spend the first day at the hostel. From morning till evening, he slept. The second day dawned, and he realised that today, Nawab Sahib and Tokhe Mirza had a great variety of trained birds of prey. What magnificent birds! Today would be a good day to see how they handled their birds. If the whole city were to erupt in excitement, it wouldn't be surprising. How ironic that the city's people revel in joy, and I am left to sorrow. Thinking thus, he got up, and before he knew it, he was in the arena.
A large crowd had gathered. It was like a fair. Water carriers were spraying water, vendors of cigarettes, snacks, and betel leaves were set up. Young men of the city, carrying birds or perched upon the soft padded stands, were engaged in leisurely activities. What was lacking for Kamalacharan's friends? If people saw him empty-handed, they'd ask, "Oh, Raja Sahib! How are you empty-handed today?" At this moment, Mian, Syed Mazid, Hamid, and others, intoxicated and shrouded in cigarette smoke, appeared. The moment they saw Kamalacharan, they all ran towards him and embraced him.
Mazid: "Where have you been hiding, friend? By God's oath, you must have run around the house hundreds of times!"
Ram Sewak: "These are the nights of bliss, brother! Can't you see, it's like a spell has been cast over us."
Chandulal: "The fellow is relaxing. Ever since Sundari came to the house, he hasn't even glanced at the market. He just stays within the house, relaxing thoroughly."
Kamla: "What relaxation? I'm trapped here. I've been lying in the boarding house for three days."
Mazid: "By God's oath!"
Kamla: "It's true. Since the day before yesterday, I've been feeling unwell. Today I had to sneak out, avoiding everyone's gaze."
Ram Sewak: "Have a grand time. That Supervisor, Muchendir, must be fuming."
Kamla: "What if I abandon this wager and head straight for my books?"
Sayyed: "Friend, what good is today's flight? The truth is, your presence here is a curse. You can't come every day, can you? New entertainment, new wonders are here every day. Yesterday, at Lala Diggi, the day before yesterday at the Pret, the day after at the Beds fair—how much more can I mention? It's a bad idea for you to come."
Kamla: "I will certainly attend the festivities tomorrow, even if the world turns upside down."
Sayyed: "And you haven't seen the Beds fair, you haven't seen anything."
In the afternoon, Kamalacharan, his heart heavy, departed from his friends and walked towards the hostel. A nagging guilt settled within him. Reaching the entrance, he peeked inside to see if the supervisor was away, so that he could sneak into his room. But, alas, he saw the supervisor approaching. Taking a deep breath, he went inside.
Supervisor Sahib: "Have you been gone so long?"
"I went out for a bit of business."
"It's not the time for business trips."
Lying on his cot, Kamalacharan pondered. "I got away today, but I need to get away tomorrow too. And the day after, I'll manage to put some dust in the supervisor's eyes. Tomorrow's spectacle will be truly mesmerizing. The kites will be talking in the sky, with long, elegant designs..."
(And so on, continuing the story.)
