कर्ज

Summary

The story follows Jagpati, a hardworking cart driver, and his younger brother Rampti. Their mother, Devla Kaki, raised them in poverty after their father died, leaving only two bighas of mortgaged land. Jagpati, the stronger brother, cleared the debt by hauling grain sacks, while Rampti farmed. Despite their labor, Jagpati remained unmarried, as no family would give their daughter to him. To secure Rampti’s marriage, Jagpati sold his share of land and borrowed five hundred rupees, giving the thousand rupees to their mother. Rampti married, and the household brightened with a new bride. Jagpati took on longer hauling jobs, including a trip to Mughalsarai, where he earned thirty rupees. He spent the entire amount on silver anklets for his sister-in-law, wrapping them carefully in an old cloth. On the journey, a fellow driver’s comment about his revived youth due to the bride silenced Jagpati; he could no longer sing love songs or joke freely, as he was now the head of a household with a married brother. Over the next year, Jagpati worked tirelessly, rarely seen in the village except for brief errands. He maintained his cart and oxen meticulously, ensuring they were ready for the next day’s work. The story captures his quiet sacrifice, the weight of responsibility, and the unspoken loneliness of a man who gave up his own prospects for his family’s happiness.