Munshi Premchand's Story: Damnation

Munshi Premchand's Story: Damnation

Our nation has, for centuries, been a cradle of great men and women—rishis, munis, poets, writers, musicians, and countless others. Their creations, numbering in the thousands, are invaluable treasures.

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Presented here is one such priceless story by Munshi Premchand, titled:

Damnation

For Manni, the orphaned and widowed woman, life offered little solace but tears. She was five when her father passed away. Her mother somehow managed to raise her. At sixteen, through the help of neighbours, she was married, but within a year both her mother and husband were gone. In this adversity, her only recourse was her uncle, Vanshidhar, who offered her shelter. But Vanshidhar's past conduct gave little hope of a peaceful stay, though Manni was prepared to endure anything. She would bear insults, reprimands, even beatings, so long as she wasn't suspected or falsely accused; she yearned to be safe from the lecherous and malicious. Vanshidhar, however, felt some concern for the family's reputation. He couldn't refuse her plea for shelter.

But within a few months, Manni realised that her stay in this house would be short-lived. She diligently performed all domestic tasks, trying to please everyone, but for some reason, both her uncle and aunt seemed to resent her. She was separated from the other servants. The boy assigned to attend to her personal needs was dismissed. Yet, despite this hardship, her uncle and aunt continued to be unpleasantly aloof. Her uncle would mutter insults, her aunt would scold her, and even her cousin, Lalita, would taunt her with cruel words.

Only her cousin Gokul showed sympathy. His words, though subtle, hinted at affection. He knew his mother's temperament. If he openly defended Manni or tried to reason with her mother, Manni's stay would become untenable. Therefore, his compassion was limited to offering solace. "Sister," he would say, "let me get a job. Then your suffering will end. Then you'll see who looks down on you. Until then, these are your difficult days." Listening to these words of affection, Manni would be filled with joy, and her very soul would seem to bless Gokul.

Today is Lalita's wedding. Guests have been arriving since morning. The house echoes with the clinking of jewellery. Manni, too, is delighted by the festive atmosphere. Though she wears no ornaments and is not dressed in fine clothes, her face reflects happiness.

It was already past midnight. The auspicious time for the wedding was approaching. The wedding attire was brought in. All the women eagerly examined the garments. Lalita was adorned with ornaments. Manni deeply wished to see the bride. She couldn't resist her desire to witness the transformation of the girl from yesterday. She entered the room, smiling. Suddenly, her aunt rebuked her, "Who called you in here? Get out!"

Manni had borne many hardships, but this rebuke pierced her heart like an arrow. Her conscience condemned her. "This is all you get for your frivolous behaviour. What need was there for you to intrude upon the happiness of the newlyweds?" She quietly left the room and headed upstairs to weep in solitude. Unexpectedly, she encountered Indranath on the stairs. Indranath was Gokul's classmate and close friend, also attending the wedding. He had come to search for Gokul. He had observed Manni's treatment and the harsh words spoken to her. Seeing her distress, he understood her plight and ascended to offer consolation. However, the door was locked from within.

He gently called out, "Manni, open the door."

Manni, hearing his voice, hid in a corner and replied sternly, "What do you want?"

Indranath spoke softly, "I beg you, Manni, open the door."

The compassion in his voice was unusual for Manni in this unkind world. Never before had someone pleaded with such humility. Manni, her hands trembling, opened the door. Indranath rushed in, noticing a rope hanging from the ceiling. His heart sank. He quickly took out a knife and cut the rope. "What were you planning to do, Manni? Do you know the consequences of such actions?"

Manni bowed her head and said, "Is there any punishment more severe? If someone is hated by society, if they are sentenced to death, even then, I would say that justice does not exist before God."

Indranath's eyes welled up. There was so much truth in Manni's words. "Such days will not last forever, Manni. If you feel that you have no one in this world, that is a misconception. There is at least one person in this world whose life is worth more than their own; who values you above their own."

Suddenly, Gokul appeared. Manni left the room. Indranath's words had stirred a storm within her. She couldn't comprehend their implications, but for the first time, her life felt meaningful. A light had dawned in her otherwise dark existence.