A twelve-year-old boy named Raicharan becomes a servant in a household, tasked with caring for his master's son. As the boy grows, Raicharan's bond with him deepens, and he becomes devoted to the child's whims and needs. However, when the boy's mother arrives, Raicharan's influence diminishes, but he finds joy in caring for the new baby born to his master. Raicharan's affection for the child grows as he witnesses the baby's milestones, such as crawling and walking. One day, during a rainy season, Raicharan takes the child out in a go-cart. The child, curious and mischievous, runs off towards the river while Raicharan fetches flowers. In a moment of horror, Raicharan discovers the child is missing, leading to a frantic search. The villagers suspect the river has taken the child, but Raicharan is accused by the mother of having stolen him. Devastated, Raicharan returns to his village, where he later has a son with his wife, who dies shortly after childbirth. Initially resentful of the new child, Raicharan gradually comes to see him as a reincarnation of his lost master. He lavishes attention and care on the boy, named Phailna, and sacrifices his own well-being to provide for him. As Phailna grows, Raicharan's devotion continues, but he remains a servant in demeanor, which creates a distance between them. Raicharan eventually sells his land to send Phailna to school in Calcutta, where the boy thrives but views Raicharan more as a servant than a father. Years pass, and Raicharan's health declines due to his self-neglect. He decides to return to his village, leaving Phailna with some money. He visits his former master, Anukul, who is still grieving for his lost child. Raicharan confesses to having taken the child, claiming it was fate. Anukul, though softened by Raicharan's presence, cannot forgive him for the act. When Raicharan brings Phailna to Anukul, the mother is overjoyed, but Anukul demands proof of Raicharan's claim. Unable to provide any, Raicharan faces rejection. Phailna, realizing his true parentage, feels anger and betrayal but ultimately advocates for Raicharan's forgiveness. Anukul remains resolute, and Raicharan, heartbroken, leaves, disappearing into the world without a trace.
By Rabindranath Tagore · First published 1915 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Family Saga