Jainendra Kahani 07

This document is the seventh part of "Jainendra Ki Kahaniyan" (Stories of Jainendra), published by Purvodaya Prakashan in 1954. It contains a collection of stories and a one-act play titled "Takrahat" (Collision).

The publisher's note highlights Jainendra's unique approach to storytelling, emphasizing the psychological depth of his characters and the intrinsic value of the "self-element" that animates his narratives, rooted in his love-centric perspective. The collection features stories that explore the complexities of life with philosophical depth.

The book includes the following:

• "Takrahat" (Collision): This one-act play is noted for its psychological portrayal of characters. The excerpt provided details conversations between Kailash, Ramdas, and Nair, introducing characters like Miss Sinclair (later Leela) and Kala. The dialogue touches upon themes of spiritual seeking, personal transformation, cultural adaptation, and the challenges of reconciling personal desires with societal or communal expectations. Kailash appears to be a figure of authority, possibly at an ashram, guiding newcomers like Leela and interacting with others about their well-being and integration. The play seems to explore clashes between different worldviews and personal struggles within a seemingly structured environment.

• "Rajiv aur Bhabhi" (Rajiv and Sister-in-law): This story appears to be a narrative about Rajiv's experiences, particularly during Holi. The excerpt describes Rajiv as a growing man, dealing with his mother and the influence of his "Bhabhi" (sister-in-law). There's a mention of a Holi celebration where there's an incident involving colors and a subsequent attempt to avoid trouble. The story seems to delve into interpersonal dynamics, family relationships, and perhaps the consequences of youthful exuberance or mischief. It also hints at the sister-in-law's manipulative or influential nature.

• "Soddeshya" (Purposeful): This story involves characters named Brijkishore, who is a public speaker, and Veena, a poet. Their conversation revolves around political events like the arrest of Mussolini and the role of Russia, Britain, and America in politics. Brijkishore emphasizes the end of fascism and the internal weaknesses of regimes like Hitler's. Veena, a poet, feels pressured to write and struggle with her artistic expression, feeling that her personal experiences are trivial compared to societal issues that Brijkishore champions as the true subject for poetry. The story explores the artist's role in society and the tension between personal expression and political consciousness.

• "Kuchh Uljhan" (Some Confusion): This story seems to be a series of letters, likely between two friends, Sadanand and Shyam. Sadanand, writing from Bombay, expresses his feelings about living in the bustling city, contrasting it with his past life in the mountains. He discusses his financial situation, his friend Shyam's insistence on his presence in Bombay, and his encounter with an acquaintance named Verma. The letters also touch upon the complexities of life, money, and personal choices. Sadanand's wife, Leela, is also mentioned, and her feelings and past experiences with Sadanand are explored, hinting at an unspoken connection and her dissatisfaction with her current life.

• "Maut ki Kahani" (Story of Death): This story is presented as a narrative within a narrative. It begins with a group of friends discussing death, its inevitability, and philosophical perspectives on it. One of them, Pramod, recounts an encounter with death itself, describing a near-death experience after a severe accident. He details how he was presumed dead, his body prepared for disposal, but miraculously survived, leading to a profound change in his outlook on life and a rejection of the pursuit of pleasure.

• "Rukiya Budhiya" (Old Woman Rukia): This story focuses on an elderly woman named Rukia, also called "Nani" or "Nano" by the neighborhood children. She collects flowers from the Yamuna River to sell and support herself. The children adore her and engage with her, sometimes affectionately teasing her, especially about her role as a "Nani" and her eventual death. The story portrays her simple life, her dependence on the children's affection, and her gratitude for life's small blessings, despite her hardships and impoverished existence. It also contrasts her current state with her past life as Rukmani, a beautiful and loved daughter from a respectable family, whose life took a drastically different turn, leading to her current impoverished and solitary existence.

• "Darshan ki Raah" (The Path of Darshan/Philosophy): This story features a narrator who encounters a philosophical individual. Their conversation revolves around the meaning of life, death, and spiritual paths. The philosophical man advocates for facing death directly and embracing its reality as a part of life's journey. He believes that true understanding and peace come from accepting this truth, rather than avoiding it. The excerpt includes a significant narrative about the narrator's train journey where he witnesses a horrific accident, highlighting the brutal reality of death and its impersonal nature, which shakes his previous detachment.

• "Vyaarth Prayatna" (Futile Effort): This story centers on a character named Chintamani, a writer and professor who is described as intellectual but detached from worldly pleasures and emotional entanglements. He struggles with a sense of emptiness and a relentless search for meaning or "God." Despite his intellectual pursuits, he feels a profound lack of fulfillment and engages in activities like drinking whiskey to cope with his existential angst. The story explores his internal conflict and his search for a truth that remains elusive, leading him to a state of despair and an attempt to numb his feelings.

• "Kya Ho?" (What Will Happen?): This story seems to be a narrative about Dinakar, who is facing a death sentence. He contemplates the nature of his impending death, his past actions, and his relationships with his family, especially his wife, Sushma. He reflects on his choices, particularly his dedication to his ideals (nation, ideals) over his personal life and family. The story delves into themes of fate, duty, personal sacrifice, and the profound consequences of one's choices, especially when faced with mortality.

• "Chalis Rupaye" (Forty Rupees): This story follows the character of Vageesh, a writer who accepts forty rupees as payment for his work. The narrative details his encounters with a poor woman and her child, his attempts to find them work, and his own financial struggles. It highlights his internal conflict between his intellectual beliefs about honest work and his personal weaknesses, including his indecisiveness and tendency to get involved in complex situations. The story seems to critique societal expectations and the struggles of individuals navigating poverty and moral dilemmas.

• "Pyar ka Tark" (The Logic of Love): This story features a narrator who meets his old friend Kumar after many years. Kumar, once a romantic dreamer, now appears more grounded and successful. He shares his past experiences with a woman named Leela Mishra, whom he loved but could not marry due to societal and familial pressures. The narrative explores the complexities of love, societal obstacles, personal choices, and the lingering impact of past relationships on one's present life. The narrator advises Kumar on the true nature of love and the importance of commitment.

• "Woh Chehra" (That Face): This story is a reminiscence of the narrator about a particular face that left a deep impression on him. He describes it as a beautiful, almost divine face, which he encountered during his teenage years. The face belongs to a young woman named Rani, whose simple appearance contrasted with her profound inner presence. The narrator reflects on the nature of beauty, destiny, and the elusive quality of true connection, hinting at a missed opportunity for a deeper relationship.

• "Aalochana" (Criticism): This story depicts a conversation between the narrator and a young, intellectually sharp individual named Virendra, who is critical of various social and political ideologies, including socialism. Virendra questions the sincerity of public figures and movements, viewing them as mere businesses or performances. The narrator, while acknowledging Virendra's sharp intellect, expresses concern about his lack of faith and his tendency to dismiss genuine efforts. The story touches upon the challenges of genuine social change and the prevalence of cynicism.

• "Kya Ho?" (What Will Happen?): This story seems to be a continuation or a related narrative to "Kya Ho?" It depicts a conversation where the narrator is discussing his impending death by hanging with Sushma and Kulwant. The narrator reflects on his life choices, his relationships with his family, and his lack of regret for his actions, even though he acknowledges the pain he has caused. He grapples with the idea of his own mortality and the impact of his choices on his loved ones, particularly his wife, Sushma.

Overall, this collection showcases Jainendra's diverse literary talent, exploring psychological complexities, social commentary, philosophical inquiries, and the nuances of human relationships.