Translated fiction: A young law officer hustles and fumbles to win the coveted title of Rai Bahadur

The train arrived. All the passengers began to load their luggage and board the train. Nawab Saheb’s assistants started to load his luggage too. Meanwhile, a woman greeted Samlal from the gangway of the train compartment. He greeted her back and gestured towards the SDO with his eyes, suggesting he was the one departing. The woman hid herself, but Nawab Saheb saw her. However, he pretended not to have seen her and boarded the train. Samlal also got into the same cabin as him.

As the train left the station, Nawab Saheb, reclining on the berth, spoke (in Urdu), “Who was that woman who greeted you?”

Samlal: She is a courtesan from Bihar Sharif. Once, I had helped her in a case under Section 60.

The Nawab nodded knowledgeably. “The police are excessive at times,” he said. “At the slightest disagreement, they file cases against dissenters under Section 60.”

“That was not the case here,” said Samlal.

“Then what was the matter?”

“It was a matter of legal dispute, sir. I am unsure whether I should tell you about it,” hesitated Samlal. The Nawab assured him, “You’ll not get into any trouble because of me. You’re an affable man and I like such people.”

Samlal smiled and said, “My life is in your...

Read more