Scene I
The story takes place shortly after the breakdown of talks between Yahya and Mujib in March 1971, during the time of the Bangladesh Liberation War. The initial massacre of intellectuals at universities in East Bengal has taken place, leading to an influx of refugees into West Bengal. Yassin, a young man in his twenties, is brought to a middle-class household by an older man named Sen Gupta. Yassin is welcomed by Sen Gupta’s wife and introduced to the family as a guest. Yassin’s mother has passed away, and there is mention of a recent tragedy, but Yassin denies any connection between his mother’s death and the events happening in East Bengal. Sen Gupta shows Yassin to his room, which used to be his study, and reflects on the longing for one’s old hometown. Yassin and Sen Gupta discuss the refugee experience and the importance of making a new home. Ashok and Mita, Sen Gupta’s children, enter the scene and engage in conversation with Yassin. Sen Gupta mentions Professor Mosin, a distinguished teacher and friend, and suggests that Yassin should meet him. Yassin shares a story about the violence and persecution he witnessed at Comilla University during the conflict. Prof. Mosin interrupts the conversation to inform them about the influx of refugees and the challenges they will face in accommodating them.
Scene II
The scene describes the refugees outside a house, some living in makeshift shelters and others in large water pipes. There are three main actions taking place simultaneously: the refugees outside, a conversation in the living room between Sen Gupta and his family, and Yassin’s presence in his room overlooking both scenes.
The refugee scene is described as somber and oppressive, with the refugees living in difficult conditions and lacking dignity and essential resources. Ramul, a character, exhibits madness and makes cynical remarks about the refugees’ plight.
Sen Gupta and his wife discuss the refugee situation, with Sen Gupta expressing concern about the encroachment of the refugees on his property and the growing numbers. He contemplates sealing the borders and pushing them back, but his wife reminds him of their own refugee past and urges him to show sympathy.
The conversation shifts to Yassin, who is described as strange and independent. Sen Gupta is puzzled by Yassin’s lack of interest in politics or his refugee background. Yassin’s mother had asked Sen Gupta to look after him, and Sen Gupta feels obligated to do so.
The scene concludes with Sen Gupta discovering a para-military uniform belonging to his son, Ashok. Ashok reveals his intention to join the Mukti Fouj, a group fighting for liberation across the border. Sen Gupta initially objects but eventually acknowledges the truth in Ashok’s words and retrieves a rifle, instructing Ashok not to volunteer and emphasizing the importance of East Bengalis fighting for their own liberation.
Overall, the scene highlights the difficult conditions faced by refugees, the conflicting perspectives on their presence, and the personal struggles and decisions of the characters involved.
Scene III
The provided text depicts a refugee camp where there is some improvement in organization and facilities. Ramul, a peculiar character, acts as a self-proclaimed leader, commanding his followers and helping those in need. Two suspicious individuals approach Ramul, seeking his assistance with a law and order problem in the city. Ramul’s response is non-committal, leading the visitors to believe he may be mad. However, they recognize his potential usefulness and decide to involve him.
The scene then shifts to Sen Gupta’s house, where Yassin and Mita have a conversation. Mita expresses her weariness and frustration with the refugee situation, urging Yassin to get involved and help with their rehabilitation. Yassin, however, avoids the refugees and remains detached. Mita confronts him, emphasizing the importance of taking action and not ignoring the suffering of others. Yassin, deeply affected by Mita’s words, promises to try and understand her perspective. Mita leaves to attend to trouble in the camp, urging Yassin to think it over and make a choice.
Sen Gupta expresses his concern about the increasing number of refugees in their town and the lack of preparedness to handle the situation. Prof. Mosin agrees with Sen Gupta’s worries and acknowledges the challenges they face in providing support to the refugees. They discuss Yassin, a young man who was given a job by Prof. Mosin, and Sen Gupta finds him to be an odd character. Prof. Mosin believes that Yassin is closed off and does not want to get involved in politics. Sen Gupta argues that politics is an inescapable reality and that even the refugee crisis requires a political solution. They discuss the threat posed by the influx of Hindu refugees from Bangladesh and the potential impact on India’s secularism. Sen Gupta suggests adopting a more aggressive posture and declaring war on Pakistan, but Yassin opposes this idea, advocating against more killing. Yassin reveals that he was born in Pakistan and questions his allegiance, emphasizing his loyalty to his mother’s love and Bengal. Sen Gupta apologizes to Yassin and embraces him, realizing the need to allow freedom of thought and action. Mita, Sen Gupta’s wife, enters and informs them about a cholera outbreak in the refugee camp, causing tension and accusing looks towards Yassin. Yassin reveals that he had the cholera shot and feels embarrassed by the assumption that he brought the disease. Mita reflects on the lack of morality in their discussions and emphasizes the need to search for their own conscience in dealing with the refugee crisis.
Scene IV
Yassin and Prof. Mosin are walking towards a refugee camp at night. Yassin is consumed by doubt and a sense of failure. Yassin visits the refugee camp to search for his conscience and to understand the experiences of others. Yassin feels guilt and indirect compulsion from others to do things he doesn’t believe in. Yassin and Prof. Mosin witness unspeakable scenes of pain and misery at the refugee camp. Yassin is shocked by the urgency and immediacy of the tragedy. Yassin hasn’t found the personal meaning he is searching for. Yassin and Prof. Mosin continue to search deeper into the night and the refugee camp. They encounter Ramul, who exhibits surrealistic behavior and cruelty towards refugees. Yassin tries to save a man from being killed by Ramul. Ramul questions Yassin’s intentions and accuses him of being a Pakistani spy. Yassin becomes distraught and demands answers from Ramul. Ramul claims to know nothing and tells Yassin to find out for himself. Yassin and Prof. Mosin return home, and Yassin reflects on his experience. Yassin realizes that he did not find his conscience but gains a new understanding and purpose. Yassin goes alone to a rough graveyard and encounters a young woman burying her dead mother. Yassin offers to help bury the woman’s mother and finds a new sense of meaning and salvation. Yassin returns home with a newfound determination.
Scene V
Yassin is packing to leave his room, and Mita questions him about it. Yassin explains that he is leaving because he feels forced into a situation with no way out. Mita is confused and asks if she has anything to do with it, to which Yassin responds that she does, but also doesn’t. Yassin reveals that he suffers from the “madness of the other love” and that he must leave because he wants Mita’s respect. Mita is upset and Yassin tries to comfort her, but she eventually leaves crying. Professor Mosin enters and comments on Mita’s tears, and Yassin reflects on the nature of human relationships and societal expectations. They discuss the delicate balance in society and the difference between Indian Muslims and Pakistani Muslims. Yassin accuses Professor Mosin of implying that the presence of Pakistani Muslim refugees jeopardizes the position of Indian Muslims. Professor Mosin denies this, but Yassin believes that his presence has affected their friendship. Yassin decides to leave and encounters Sen Gupta, who is surprised by his decision. Yassin explains that he was making up his mind and wants to preserve their friendship. Sen Gupta apologizes for misunderstanding Yassin and asks him to keep in touch. Sen Gupta’s wife also expresses concern for Yassin’s well-being and tries to dissuade him from joining the Mukti Fauj. Yassin feels pressured to join and questions whether others are pushing him or if he is pushing himself. Yassin kisses Sen Gupta’s wife goodbye and leaves, unsure if he is doing the right thing.
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