Bepin Choudhary’s Lapse of Memory Summary

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Bepin Choudhary’s Lapse of Memory Summary

Bepin Choudhary’s Lapse of Memory Introduction

A Satyajit Ray story with a surprise ending that brings in its wake the much needed psychological relief to the sophisticated executive. Forgetfulness often puts you in a tight spot. But forgetting a part of your life completely may drive you crazy.

In this story, Bepin Babu goes nearly crazy because he cannot recollect his stay at Ranchi. He has never been to Ranchi, he insists, though there are many witnesses to the contrary. The story is full of suspense and humor.

Bepin Choudhary’s Lapse of Memory Part 1 Summary of the Lesson

Bepin Choudhary went to new market at Kalicharan to buy books as he was fond of reading. Bepin lived alone so he read about five books in a week. One day he met a man who pretended to be an acquaintance.

Bepin was not sure so he asked him if they had met before. Then the man told him that he had arranged a car to take him that he was Parimal Ghose whom he met in Ranchi in 1958.

Bepin knew that the man must have mistaken him for someone else as he always wanted to go to Ranchi but couldn’t make it. The man called him by his name yet Bepin wasn’t convinced.

Parimal tried to convince him by narrating some incidents. He told him that he fell in Hudroo and hurt his knee. He arranged a car but he couldn’t go because of the pain.

He told Bepin Babu that he stayed with Mr. Dinesh Mukerji as he didn’t like hotel. He further added about his argument about the moon landing and his habit of carrying a bag filled with books while going for sightseeing.

Bepin wasn’t convinced at all. He was sure that he had spent his Puja in Oct’ 1958 with a friend in Kanpur. He then revealed his family details to which he claimed that Bepin had himself told him. Yet Bepin Babu paid no need to his talks. Parimal was surprised at his response.

Bepin Choudhary’s Lapse of Memory Part 2 Summary of the Lesson

Bepin Babu, then headed towards the Strand road. He regretted for paying attention to a false story. He was sure of his memory and knew very well that he couldn’t forget an episode of his life.

Yet negative thoughts struck his mind. He started doubting his memory. His mind had conflicts because he spoke in a meeting for half an hour. Then he thought of contacting Haridas Baghchi for confirming his stay with him who had already left for Japan.

That is why he couldn’t contact him. Bepin Babu tried to recollect his memory for the scar he had on his leg but failed.

Bepin thought of contacting Dinesh but stopped himself as Dinesh’s sarcasm and criticism would be intolerable to him. Bepin felt disgusted with the thought that took all his attention. Ben was getting restless. So he called up Dinesh who confirmed his trip after looking into his diary. Without getting further into the conversation, Bepin slammed.

Bepin Choudhary’s Lapse of Memory Part 3 Summary of the Lesson

Bepin’s mind was so much occupied and confused. He served his firm with dedication and devotion. He had never let anyone down. He tried to recall any incident that could indicate a head injury.

He was so engrossed in his dilemma. He was visited by one of his acquaintances Chunni Babu. He often seeks him to find him a job. Initially, he wanted to meet him but stopped him to enquire about his forgotten trip to Ranchi if further triggered his anxiety by saying that he himself had fixed up railway booking and came to see him off.

He called an electrician to repair the fan of his compartment. He then asked him to consult a doctor. Ben took his words so seriously that he visited Dr. Chanda and asked him to cure his disease.

After knowing his case, he advised him to visit Ranchi to experience it again. As it might help him to recall everything. He gave him medicine. Bepin booked a ticket for Ranchi after giving the necessary instructions in the office.

Bepin Choudhary’s Lapse of Memory Part 4 Summary of the Lesson

Bepin reached Ranchi, where nothing was familiar to him. He then left for Hudroo as he didn’t want to give up after reaching so far. At 5’0 clock, he was lying unconscious near a boulder.

When he regained his consciousness, he was murmuring about his hopelessness. On reaching Calcutta, he gave up losing all hopes to get well.

He called for Dr. Chanda for his treatment. While he was waiting for him, after taking a bath, his servant came with an envelope, ‘urgent and confidential’ was written over it, so impatiently he opened it.

It was sent by Chunni Lai his friend, who was seeking his help in finding him a suitable job. He was in anguish with Bepin for not helping him in his difficult times.

So he manipulated everything with his imagination to teach him a lesson. He wrote a novel, which was very likely to be considered by a publisher.

Realizing the folly of Chunni Lai, Bepin came into senses. He asked the doctor to give him a painkiller for he had a fall in Ranchi.