| Shivnath Chowdhury, a middle aged music lover was fond of the culture of the soil and had deep regards for the common folk. He used to collect folk rhythms from an old village headman, an expert drum player, Baiju. Shivnat's wife, Leela Devi, however was the late Zaminda?s daughter and never did approve of her husban?s intimacy with the commoners. Inevitably, the tussle and tension stayed constantly with them. Shivnath would have left home but for his little daughter, Neena. Subsequently matters came to a head. Leela Devi had Baiju’s village burnt and her munim took this opportunity to kidnap baiju’s young daughter Rukmini. Shivnath came to know of this and in his attempts to rescue the poor girl killed munim. Thus Shivnath landed himself in jail, convicted to fourteen years imprisonment. Leela Devi accompanied by Neena came to stay in the city with her cousin brother Mohan. Leela and Mohan decided between themselves not to divulge the tragic truth to Neena. |
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