"Name of the village was Kashipur. The village was obscure; and its zamindar was of even lesser importance but he held a terrible sway. Such was his command that none of his subjects could utter even a word of protest. It was his youngest son's birthday. Tarka Ratna, the priest, was returning home in the afternoon after completing the rituals of the puja. Month of Baisakh was almost over but there was no sign of rain. The silvery sky seemed to be raining arrows of fire on the earth. In fro...