Kedar Raja by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay [Hardcover]

The story begins with a Rajput prince named Kedar Raja, who belongs to a royal lineage but possesses none of the former glory or power associated with it. Kedar is depicted as a simple, absent-minded man who often forgets his duties while lost in music and merriment. When he goes to collect taxes from his subjects, he often returns empty-handed after being moved by their sorrows. His life revolves around music, and he sometimes arrives home in the dead of night after getting carried away by festivities. At home, he has a widowed daughter named Sharot, who waits for him in their isolated house deep in the forest.

The narrative centers around Sharot, who is incredibly beautiful. Her beauty captures the attention of Prabhas, the son of a man from the village who lives in Kolkata. Although Prabhas calls her "Didu" (sister) and brings her gifts, he eventually takes her to the city, promising to show her Kolkata. Sharot, being simple-minded, accompanies him without realizing the deep conspiracy that awaits her there. Despite her innocence, she is clever, spirited, and brave. Even though life presents her with countless challenges, she refuses to sell herself out without a fight.

The story unfolds with themes of innocence, resilience, and the contrast between the rural simplicity of Kedar Raja's life and the complexities of urban existence.