Summary

In “Master Mashai,” Adhar Babu was careful about his money. When he and Nanibala had a son, Venugopal, Nanibala made Adhar spend money on him.

Adhar decided to hire Haralal, one of his employee’s sons, “as a tutor” for Venu in exchange for lodging (52). Haralal and his mother were poor, but Haralal devoted himself to school, “determined to go to college” (51).

Venu and Haralal became fast friends.

When Venu was 11, Haralal passed his exams, “won a scholarship,” and started college (53). He and Venu saw each other every day after class. Convinced Haralal was trying “to captivate her boy” so as to remain his tutor indefinitely, Nanibala told Haralal to “keep away from [Venu]” outside their lessons (53). Venu was upset when Haralal started avoiding him. He ran to Nanibala, crying “Master Mashai,” but said nothing further (54).

When “there was a theft in Adhar...