Atithi (Guest) is a short story by Rabindranath Tagore about a young boy, Tarapada, who is a wanderer by nature. He cannot stay in one place for long, always seeking new experiences.

Despite the love and care of his family and friends, his desire for freedom drives him away again and again. The story beautifully captures themes of human relationships, love, jealousy, fate, and the longing for adventure.

Plot Summary

1. The Wanderer’s Nature

Tarapada, a 14–15-year-old Brahmin boy, has a habit of running away from home. He is deeply attracted to nature, people, and adventure. He travels with theater groups, minstrels, and gymnasts, but never stays in one place for long.

2. The Boat Journey to Kanthalia

One day, Tarapada boards a zamindar’s (landlord’s) boat, seeking a ride to Nandigram. The zamindar, Motilal Babu, is traveling with his wife, Annapurna, and daughter, Charushashi (Charu). Seeing Tarapada’s innocent charm, they welcome him aboard.

However, he gets so lost in the beauty of the river and people that he forgets about Nandigram. The 10-day journey ends at Kanthalia, where he stays as a "guest" in the zamindar's house.

3. Tarapada’s Life in Kanthalia

Tarapada quickly becomes popular in the village. He is skilled in music, swimming, and gymnastics, and wins the affection of everyone—except Charushashi.

Charushashi, just nine years old, is jealous and irritated by the attention Tarapada gets. However, she secretly admires his abilities and starts developing a love-hate relationship with him. She even fights with her friend Sonamoni, a widow, over Tarapada.

4. Love, Jealousy, and Learning English

As Tarapada stays in the house, Motilal Babu arranges for him to learn English. Charushashi also joins the lessons but instead of studying, she plays pranks—spilling ink, stealing his books, and tearing pages.

Despite her mischief, Tarapada patiently tolerates her behavior, sometimes scolding her but never truly getting angry. As years pass, their bond deepens.

5. Marriage Plans and the Escape

After two years, Tarapada is 17 years old, and Charushashi is 11. Seeing their growing closeness, Motilal Babu secretly arranges their marriage. However, Tarapada is unaware of this plan.

The night before the wedding, monsoon rains arrive. That same night, a traveling opera band passes through Kanthalia. Hearing their music, Tarapada is irresistibly drawn to them. Before anyone notices, he leaves—forever, following his endless desire to wander.

Themes of the Story

1. Freedom vs. Attachment – Tarapada's restless spirit makes it impossible for him to stay in one place, despite love and comfort.

2. Human Relationships – The story explores love, jealousy, and the pain of separation.

3. The Call of Adventure – Like the poem by Gerald Gould, Tarapada’s "wander-thirst" keeps pushing him forward.

4. Social Expectations vs. Individual Desires – The zamindar family wants to settle Tarapada, but he chooses his own path.

Character Sketches

1. Tarapada

• Young, fair, innocent-looking Brahmin boy.

• Curious and adventurous, always escaping to explore new places.

• Skilled in music, swimming, and interacting with people.

• Never stays in one place for long, despite love from others.

• Leaves Kanthalia suddenly, following his wanderlust.

2. Charushashi

• Daughter of Motilal Babu, around nine years old when Tarapada arrives.

• Jealous, mischievous, and playful, but secretly admires Tarapada.

• Initially dislikes him but grows attached to him over time.

• Her emotions swing between anger and love, leading her to sabotage his studies.

3. Motilal Babu & Annapurna

• Kind and generous zamindar and his wife.

• Treat Tarapada like their own son.

• Arrange his marriage to Charushashi, not realizing he will never stay.

Title Justification: Atithi (Guest)

The title Atithi (meaning "guest") is perfect because Tarapada is a guest everywhere. He stays for a while, wins hearts, but always leaves without warning. His life is a series of temporary destinations, making him a true "guest" of the world.

About the Author: Rabindranath Tagore

• Born in 1861, Tagore was a poet, writer, philosopher, and Nobel Laureate (1913).

• He founded Shantiniketan, an experimental school, and wrote India’s national anthem.

• His short stories, like Atithi, focus on human emotions and nature.

Critical Appreciation

• Tagore’s storytelling is simple yet deep, making his characters realistic.

• He blends emotions, nature, and human relationships beautifully.

• The story makes us think about freedom, love, and the pain of separation.

• The ending is powerful—unexpected yet fitting for Tarapada’s character.

Conclusion

Atithi is a beautiful, emotional, and thought-provoking short story. Tarapada’s character stays with the reader, reminding us that some people are meant to explore, not settle. 

His sudden departure leaves us with both sadness and admiration—because some souls, like his, are born to wander.

And, that is all I wanted to share with you...