Nirdosh

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nirdosh" in English:

Book Title: Nirdosh Author(s): Sarang Barot (Original Gujarati Story), Madan Sudan (Play Adaptation) Publisher: Z_Jain_Vidyalay_Hirak_Jayanti_Granth_012029.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/211274/1

Summary:

"Nirdosh" is a play that delves into the themes of trust, suspicion, and the devastating consequences of misplaced blame. The story unfolds in a middle-class household where a series of items begin to disappear.

The narrative begins with Shobhana and Dinkar, a married couple, discussing the continuous loss of belongings from their home. Their son, Rohit's, expensive Japanese monkey toy is the latest item to go missing. This follows the disappearance of silver spoons earlier that week. Frustrated and suspicious, Dinkar suggests they confront their housemaid, Rukhi, who has been with them for four years and whom they have treated as a family member. Shobhana is hesitant, believing a direct confrontation will be unproductive as Rukhi will simply deny any involvement.

Despite Shobhana's earlier attempt to search Rukhi's room when Rukhi was out with Rohit, nothing was found. Dinkar criticizes this, suggesting that stolen items are usually hidden in places inaccessible to others. Shobhana believes Rukhi has been acting well to maintain their trust and is now revealing her true colors. They decide to "catch Rukhi red-handed" by pretending to hide a small piece of jewelry.

In the next scene, Rukhi returns Shobhana's gold-chain watch, which she had "accidentally" left in the kitchen. However, Dinkar's cigarette lighter is missing. When questioned, Rukhi denies seeing it. Dinkar directly addresses the ongoing thefts, and Rukhi expresses her inability to understand who is responsible, noting that even after changing three maids, the thefts continue. Dinkar implies that Rukhi is the culprit, stating that they know who is stealing. Rukhi, feeling hurt and unjustly accused, asserts her innocence and the lack of any motive for her to steal. Dinkar, however, remains unconvinced and announces their decision to dismiss her. Rukhi, deeply distressed by the accusation and the "black mark" on her character, vows to leave the next day, weeping and lamenting the injustice.

Four days later, Rohit rushes to inform his parents that Rukhi is very ill. Shobhana goes to see Rukhi and learns she has a high fever and is unresponsive, with the doctor giving little hope of her survival. Dinkar, realizing the gravity of the situation and their potential role in her decline, expresses regret and decides to arrange for her hospitalization. They fear they might be responsible for the "murder of an innocent servant."

At the hospital, Shobhana and Dinkar visit Rukhi and apologize profusely for their unfounded suspicion. They admit that thefts are still occurring in their home. Rukhi, though weakened, believes they are saying this to keep her alive. She states that her reputation is ruined, making her life meaningless. However, Shobhana insists they are telling the truth and urges Rukhi to believe them, reiterating that thefts continue. Rukhi, now somewhat accepting the possibility, asks them to reveal the true thief for her soul's peace. Dinkar promises to bring the culprit before her once caught and allow her to deliver any punishment.

Dinkar and Shobhana later visit Rukhi again, this time with Rohit and the stolen items, which have been recovered. They reveal that Rohit is the actual thief. He was caught taking the idol from the puja room and throwing it into the water tank behind the house. All the missing items were found in the tank. Rukhi, upon hearing this, expresses relief that her prayers were answered and her name is cleared. When asked what punishment Rohit should receive, Rukhi gently dismisses the idea, stating that the wrongdoer will face their own karma. The play concludes with a moment of shared laughter as Rohit innocently explains he wasn't stealing but "offering" the items to the water.

The play "Nirdosh" highlights the importance of clear communication, the dangers of jumping to conclusions, and the profound impact of suspicion and false accusations on innocent lives. It emphasizes the Jain principle of ahimsa (non-violence) not just in physical actions but also in thought and speech.