The Postmaster

 About Author :-

 

Rabindranath Tagore (born May 7, 1861, Calcutta [now Kolkata], India—died August 7, 1941, Calcutta) Bengali poet, short-story writer, song composer, playwright, essayist, and painter who introduced new prose and verse forms and the use of colloquial language into Bengali literature, thereby freeing it from traditional models based on classical Sanskrit. He was highly influential in introducing Indian culture to the West and vice versa, and he is generally regarded as the outstanding creative artist of early 20th-century India. In 1913 he became the first non-European to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature.

About story :-

 

In the secluded village of Ulapur, the postmaster, a young man from Calcutta, struggles with feelings of isolation and longing for urban life. His only solace is Ratan, a thirteen-year-old orphan girl who assists him with household chores and becomes his companion. As they share stories and memories, their bond deepens, offering each other a sense of belonging in their otherwise lonely existence.

Despite his yearning for the city, the postmaster finds moments of tranquility in the village's natural beauty. However, his inner turmoil persists, echoing the emptiness he feels in his heart. In contrast, Ratan finds solace in their shared moments and cherishes the connection they've formed. When the postmaster falls ill, Ratan steps up to care for him with unwavering devotion, embodying the role of a caregiver and surrogate family. Her selflessness and determination to nurse him back to health highlight the depth of their relationship and her unconditional love for him.

As the postmaster recovers, he realizes that he can no longer endure his exile in the village and decides to seek a transfer back to Calcutta. This decision marks a turning point in their lives, signaling an impending separation that neither of them is prepared for.

While the postmaster waits anxiously for a response to his transfer request, Ratan remains by his side, silently hoping for his return call. Their shared anticipation underscores the uncertainty of their future and the unspoken fears that linger between them.

When the postmaster finally receives confirmation of his transfer, he breaks the news to Ratan, leaving her devastated by the prospect of his departure. His attempt to reassure her of his well-being only deepens her sense of loss and abandonment.

As the postmaster prepares to leave, he offers Ratan his savings as a parting gift, unaware of the profound impact it will have on her. Her refusal of his kindness reflects her inner turmoil and her struggle to accept his departure. On the day of his departure, the postmaster bids farewell to Ratan, leaving her behind as he embarks on his journey back to Calcutta. As he sails away, he is haunted by the memory of her tear-streaked face, regretting his decision to leave her behind.

Meanwhile, Ratan remains rooted in the village, clinging to the hope that the postmaster will someday return to her. Her unwavering faith in their bond serves as a poignant reminder of the power of love and resilience in the face of adversity. As the postmaster navigates the waters of uncertainty, he reflects on the fleeting nature of human connections and the profound impact of his relationship with Ratan. Despite his physical distance from her, he carries her memory with him, forever changed by their shared experiences.

In the end, both the postmaster and Ratan are left to grapple with the aftermath of their separation, each carrying the weight of their unspoken emotions and longing for what could have been. Their story serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of separation and loss.

The beauty of Nature:

"... the movement of the leaves and the clouds of the sky were enough to fill life with joy—such were the sentiments to which he sought to give expression."

Rabindranath Tagore explained this idea in these lines:

"the postmaster was ... thinking to himself: "Oh, if only some kindred soul were near—just one loving human being whom I could hold near my heart!" This was exactly, he went on to think, what that bird was trying to say, and it was the same feeling which the murmuring leaves were striving to express."