Bhisham Sahni is a noted Hindi story writer. His writings generally depict the life and emotions of middle-class people and their families. In this story, the unfair and merciless treatment of a poor and helpless relative is depicted. This story shows us that in the face of riches or wealth, relationships hold no value. This is the bitter truth that this story presents us with.

Veerji was a well-educated and employed youth. He was about to be engaged to a bright, educated young girl named Prabha. Veerji was a model person. He was not greedy for riches or wealth. He was a man of principles. He told his father to only accept one and a half rupees as a token offering in order to confirm the engagement. The father, however, wanted to take a large amount of money as dowry. Finally, bowing to his son’s wishes, the father agrees to accept only a token amount of one and a half rupees.

There lived, in the house of Veerji, a distant relative by name Mangalsen. He had retired from the armed forces. He lived in that house by the grace of the members of the household. He would do all the household chores and make his living. Mangalsen’s poverty and helplessness had made him an object of ridicule.

Veerji’s father decided to take Mangalsen with him to the girl’s (Prabha) house when he would go to confirm Veerji’s engagement. Mangalsen dressed in good clothes and accompanied Veerji’s father. Prabha’s mother and father were very hospitable to Mangalsen. He asked a lot of questions about Prabha, whereas Veerji’s father was silent. Prabha’s family gave a set of three silver cups and three silver spoons along with one and a half rupees as ‘shagun’ – a gift from the bridegroom’s side as a confirmation of the engagement. Veerji’s father was very pleased with the respect given to them by the bride’s family and returned home happy.

The members of Veerji’s household were awaiting the return of Veerji’s father and Mangalsen. As soon as they returned home, the family members began to go through the gifts sent by Prabha’s family. The family was very happy to see the three silver cups with spoons, but however, there were only two spoons. All the members of the household accused Mangalsen of stealing one of the silver spoons. Mangalsen said that he had also seen three spoons but did not know where one had gone. Even he was surprised to find only two spoons. However, Veerji’s father instructed that Mangalsen’s coat and the pockets of his kurta be searched. This was done, but the spoon was not found. Everyone became worried.

Just then, Prabha’s younger brother arrived and after giving them the silver spoon which they had left behind, returned immediately. Veerji’s family was happy. But none of the people who had accused Mangalsen of stealing the spoon thought how the poor old Mangalsen would have felt.