Susanthika

Mohan likes to describe himself as a born-again bachelor, and every year he travels to Haridwar. This time he offers to take Susanthika, a Sri Lankan woman he knows, along for the trip. The invitation is meant kindly, and both of them set out with the best of intentions.

By the banks of the Ganga, a place made for prayer and restraint, the two find themselves wanting something far more earthly. The story follows the pull between them as the holy surroundings fail to cool their desire. It also asks whether Susanthika can keep up with a man of Mohan's wide appetites, and whether the spark between them can survive once the trip is over.

Back in the city, where neighbours and acquaintances are quick to judge, the question becomes whether their passion can stay hidden. Khushwant Singh's short story is frank, teasing and openly sensual, and it is about a forbidden affair carried on beneath a respectable surface.