First published in 1930, Kankal is among the only two completed novels by famous ‘Chhayavadi’ Hindi poet and playwright Jaishankar Prasad. Kankal is his exploration into the prevalent social issues of Indian society, as well as his critique of religious institutions, superstitions, and their role in the exploitation of women.

One evening in Prayag, on the banks of river Yamuna, a couple from Amritsar gets down from a boat and makes its way towards a young Sanyasi. They listen to his spiritual discussion with devotion and before leaving, introduce themselves to him as Shrichand and Kishori. The next day when they go back to see him, they learn that he has left for Haridwar. The couple argues about not asking for what they wanted the previous day, eventually deciding that they go to Haridwar to ask for his blessings. However, Shrichand has to go back to Amritsar for some urgent work, so he leaves Kishori in Haridwar with his trusted servant, Baldau.

Unbeknownst to them, there is a reason behind the young Sanyasi’s sudden departure from Prayag. He had identified Kishori as his friend from childhood. Then, as he was being sent away, he had promised to bring her a doll when he returns. He never did. But now, with her following him to Haridwar, here they are—together again. He reminds her of their childhood, she identifies him as Ranjan. In the moonlit night, on the banks of river Ganga, she finally tells him what she has come to ask him for—a child.

Please note: This audiobook is in Hindi.