Kishor O Sannyasini by Sunil Gangopadhyay [Hardcover]

The story revolves around Nandakishore, a teenage boy who, despite his age, seems quite youthful. Having lost his mother at the age of two, Nanda later loses his sister and father as well. After his father's death, Nanda is left without a place in his stepmother's household and finds refuge with his grandfather, Aghoranath Chowdhury, a former landlord. At around 15 years old, Nanda is a skinny, mischievous boy with a huge appetite and a bad habit of stealing, causing a potential stain on the reputation of the Chowdhury family. However, it is said that Nanda bears royal markings on his forehead, signifying a grand destiny.

One day, a Tantric priestess (Bhairavi) arrives at a Shiva temple near the cremation ground and declares that Nanda possesses an invisible royal crown. Intrigued by this prophecy, Nanda soon leaves his grandfather's home and settles with the Bhairavi permanently. Thus begins an unusual relationship between the young boy and the ascetic priestess. The narrative explores the deep secrets of Tantra, blending them into the evolving dynamics of this strange bond, creating a fascinating and curious tale.