Chapter (অধ্যায়): SHIVA'S DEMON PAGE-197Page: 197 of 519
SHIVA'S DEMON1
Baron K__ lived in a district of Germany. Born in an aristocratic family, he inherited high rank, honour and, wealth even in early youth; besides, he was highly cultured and endowed with many accomplishments. A good many charming, affluent, and young women of rank craved for his love. And which father or mother does not wish for a son-in-law of such parts, culture, handsomeness, social position, lineage, and youthful age? An aristocratic beauty had attracted Baron K__ also, but the marriage was still far off. In spite of all rank and wealth, Baron K__ had none to call his own, except a sister who was exquisitely beautiful and educated. The Baron had taken a vow that he would marry only after his sister had chosen her fiance and the marriage celebrated with due eclat and rich dowries from him. She had been the apple of her parents' eyes. Baron K__ did not want to enjoy a married life, before her wedding. Besides, the custom in this Western country is that the son does not live in his father's or in any relative's family after marriage; the couple live separately. It may be possible for the husband to live with his wife in his father-in-law's house but a wife will never live in her father-in-law's. So K__ postponed his marriage till his sister's.
For some months K__ had no news of his sister. Foregoing the life of ease, comfort, and happiness in a palace served by a big retinue, and snatching herself from the affection of her only brother, she had absconded. All search had been in vain. That brought K__ untold sorrow. He had no more
1 This incomplete story was found among Swamiji's papers after he had passed away. It is printed as the last article in the Bengali book Bhabbar Katha.