Friends, our nation has, for centuries, been a cradle of great figures—rishis, munis, poets, writers, and musicians, among others. The countless works created by these luminaries are invaluable treasures. Today's youth, in this digital age, seem to be lost, distancing themselves from our heritage and priceless legacy. Subkuz.com continually strives to bring you not only these invaluable treasures but also captivating stories, news, and information about the world. Presented here is a poignant and inspiring story, penned by the renowned author, Munshi Premchand.
The Drama of Despair
Pandit Hridyanath was a respected man in Ayodhya. While not wealthy, he was content with his means. He owned several houses, renting them out to make ends meet. However, rental prices had increased, and he had even kept a carriage. He was a thoughtful man, well-educated, with considerable worldly experience, yet lacked the necessary drive and decisiveness to act on his knowledge. Society, in his eyes, was a formidable specter, one that must be constantly feared. Any slight, any perceived transgression, could bring untold consequences. His wife, Jageshwari, was his reflection, her thoughts mirrored his, her desires aligned with his. There was never any discord between them. Jageshwari was a devout follower of Shiva, while Hridyanath was a devotee of Vishnu; both were deeply religious, perhaps even more so than most educated people. This was perhaps due to the fact that they had only one daughter.
Their marriage had occurred thirteen years prior, and their parents yearned for a son, eager to name their descendants and bequeath their possessions. However, fate had other plans. Before Kailash Kumari even completed her marriage ceremony, the grief of widowhood had dimmed her aspirations. Her parents wept, the house echoed with lamentation, but Kailash Kumari remained bewildered, gazing at the faces around her. She couldn't comprehend why they were so overcome with sorrow. As the only child of her parents, she had no need for anyone else. The idea of a husband had never played a significant role in her dreams. She reasoned that widows weep because their husbands provided for them and their children. What was lacking in my home? Why should I worry about what to eat or wear? My father would immediately provide for whatever I needed, and my mother would fulfil any request. Why grieve? She would cry when she saw her mother, not from her husband's loss, but from empathy for her mother's pain. She sometimes pondered why they were weeping, suspecting that they might worry that she would ask for something they couldn't provide. Then why ask? I still ask for nothing from them; they continually provide for me. What could possibly change? Her mother's sorrow was palpable; at the sight of her daughter, tears would flow like a waterfall. Her father's anguish was even more poignant. He avoided the house, spending his time in seclusion, lost in his grief. He felt a profound sorrow that her friends no longer visited her. She requested permission from her mother to invite them to the house, and the latter wept uncontrollably. Witnessing her parents' distress, Kailash Kumari stopped visiting them, content to read stories and tales in solitude. Her parents, however, misinterpreted her withdrawal, seeing it as an indication of grief's devastation, believing her heart was shattered.
One day, Hridyanath said to Jageshwari, "I long to escape this house, this unbearable sorrow."
Jageshwari replied, "I pray only that God will take me away from this world. I cannot bear this heavy weight on my chest."
Hridyanath said, "We must find ways to distract her mind, to banish these thoughts of grief. Seeing us so sorrowful can only intensify her suffering."
Jageshwari stated, "My mind is clouded with sorrow."
Hridyanath said, "If we continue to mourn, it will take a toll on her health. Let's try to provide entertainment; perhaps a play, some music within the house. These activities may uplift her spirits."
Jageshwari said, "The sight of her makes me weep, but your suggestion is good. Her grief cannot be healed without distraction."
Hridyanath stated, "I too will try to distract her. Tomorrow, I will arrange a trip, showcasing beautiful scenery. I will also purchase a gramophone and have music played regularly. We must keep her occupied."
From that day forward, Jageshwari dedicated herself to finding amusement and joy for Kailash Kumari. When Kailash Kumari visited her mother, she no longer saw tears but a smile on her lips. "My dear," she would say, "there's a delightful show at the theater tonight; let's go." Sometimes they would embark on a boat ride on the Ganga, or spend evenings together at the riverbank. Gradually, her friends began visiting again. They played cards, sang, and entertained themselves. Pandit Hridyanath also ensured that there were enough things for them to enjoy. He would show her pictures of Kashmir, play gramophone records, and try everything he could to cheer her up. Kailash Kumari truly enjoyed these outings. She had never known such happiness.
Two years passed, and Kailash Kumari became so accustomed to amusement that she would fret if she missed a day of entertainment.
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