An Astrologer's Day(Summary) by R.K. Narayan (Grade 11 Com. English Note|| New Course || NEB)

 

In "An Astrologer's Day," the main character is an astrologer. This astrologer begins his work at midday on a street near a public park. Vendors are all around the astrologer. As he begins his day's work, he spreads out his professional looking equipments.

He begins his work every day at midday in a public place under a large tree that is close to a public park in his town. The place chosen for his work is generally full of people who pass by or gather there, such as customers attracted by vendors of nuts, sweetmeats, and other snacks.

The place the astrologer works is poorly lighted at night. He depends on the other vendors' lights to work throughout the evening. The astrologer has his clients to sit down and share details of their lives with him. The clients speak for ten minutes before the astrologer speaks. By this point, the astrologer has enough information to appear wise enough to tell fortunes.

He has a practical knowledge of the common problems of most people: “marriage, money, and the tangles of human ties.” His sharp eyes, used to scanning for customers, make people believe he has an unusual ability to tell people’s fortunes.

On this particular night, a man walks by and the astrologer perceives him to be a possible client. The astrologer insists that this stranger take time to have his fortune told. The stranger mocks the astrologer, insinuating that the astrologer is a fake. Finally, the astrologer and the man strike up a deal. 

Guru Nayak, responds with a challenge: Would the astrologer tell him whether he, Guru Nayak, will be successful in a search he is carrying out, returning double the fee he has paid if the prediction cannot be made?

About this time, the stranger strikes a match for his cheroot. The astrologer recognizes the stranger as a man he once knew. He recognizes the stranger as Guru Nayak, a man the astrologer left for dead years ago. There had been an argument. The astrologer had stabbed Guru Nayak and left him for dead inside a well. 

Now, the astrologer realizes Guru is alive and well. The astrologer is in fear that Guru Nayak will recognize him. He decides to not read Guru Nayak's fortune. However, Guru Nayak will not take no for an answer now. Appearing to be a genuine astrologer, the astrologer proceeds to tell Guru Nayak what he wants to hear. He reminds him of the time long ago when he was stabbed and left for dead in a well. The astrologer even calls Guru Nayak by name. The astrologer seems to know what he is talking about. He adds that Guru Nayak's attacker was killed and assures Guru Nayak that his attacker exists no longer.

Guru Nayak is relieved. He believes the astrologer. He pays him extra money and goes on his way.

The astrologer gets home late. He meets his anxious wife at the door and shares the whole ordeal with his wife. He admits that he is relieved to know that he has not killed a man. He gives his wife the extra money Guru Nayak gave him.