“An Astrologer’s Day” is one of the most famous short stories written by legendary Indian author R. K. Narayan. This story comes from his popular collection Malgudi Days. Even though the title suggests the life of an astrologer, the story is actually about the unexpected past of a man who is hiding from his own mistakes. This PDF book summary will help students and readers understand the full storyline, major characters, themes and the important moral in simple Indian English.
⭐ Introduction to the Story
The story is set in a small fictional South Indian town named Malgudi. R. K. Narayan uses simple daily-life settings, but he adds strong emotions and surprising twists. The astrologer in the story sits in a busy marketplace. He wears a saffron turban, carries a bag full of cowrie shells, charts and papers, and uses these things to impress customers. For people who see him, he looks like a real astrologer. But the truth behind his identity is very shocking.
⭐ The Astrologer’s Daily Life
Every evening, the astrologer sits under a tamarind tree in the marketplace. There are shops with buzzing lights, noisy voices, peanuts sellers, medicine vendors, and people passing by. This lively environment helps him attract customers.
He does not have any real knowledge of astrology. His success comes from observing people’s faces, their body language, and using common life experiences. He cleverly speaks about worries like marriage, health, money, enemies, and business troubles. Most people feel impressed and think he has deep knowledge.
⭐ The Twist Begins
One evening, a man named Guru Nayak comes to the astrologer’s stall. At first, the astrologer tries to avoid the man because he feels uncomfortable. When Guru Nayak lights a cheroot (local cigarette), the astrologer sees his face clearly—and suddenly becomes frightened.
Guru Nayak does not recognise the astrologer, but the astrologer knows him very well. He realises this is the same man he once tried to kill long ago before running away from his village. That past incident was the reason the astrologer left his home and started a new life in Malgudi.
⭐ The Hidden Past
Years ago, the astrologer was a normal young man with no intention of becoming an astrologer. One night, after a village quarrel, he got into a fight with Guru Nayak. In anger, he attacked Guru Nayak and thought he had killed him. Believing the police would catch him, he ran away and never returned to his village.
But now, years later, Guru Nayak is standing right in front of him. This moment becomes the turning point of the story.
⭐ The Clever Prediction
Guru Nayak tells the astrologer that he wants to know who tried to kill him. He has been searching for that enemy for years. The astrologer immediately understands the danger. If he reveals his identity, he may get punished or even killed.
So he uses his sharp mind and creates a plan.
The astrologer tells Guru Nayak that his enemy is already dead. He says there is no need to search for him anymore. He also warns Guru Nayak not to travel south again. These words shock Guru Nayak, because they sound very true. Finally, satisfied and relieved, he pays the astrologer and goes away.
⭐ The Astrologer’s Relief
After Guru Nayak leaves, the astrologer becomes relaxed. He tells his wife the truth of his past. He explains that the man he thought he had killed actually survived. This gives him a huge relief, because he has lived with guilt all these years.
His wife feels surprised but happy that her husband is free from his fear now.
⭐ Themes of the Story
This short story carries several important themes that connect with readers even today.
1. Guilt and Redemption
The astrologer spends his whole life hiding from his crime. When he finally faces the truth, he feels lighter and free. The story teaches that guilt can deeply affect human life.
2. Identity and Deception
The astrologer pretends to be an expert, but his entire identity is built on lies. Still, his survival depends on this act.
3. Fate vs. Free Will
Even though the astrologer claims to read people’s fate, his own life changes because of choices he made in the past.
⭐ Character Analysis
🔹 The Astrologer
A clever, observant man who hides his dark past. His intelligence comes not from astrology but from understanding human nature.
🔹 Guru Nayak
A strong, determined man who wants revenge. His entry brings suspense and leads to the climax of the story.
🔹 The Wife
A simple woman who supports her husband. She represents peace and family life.
⭐ Moral of the Story
The clear message of “An Astrologer’s Day” is that our past always follows us, but facing the truth gives freedom. It also teaches that revenge does not always bring happiness, and sometimes peace comes from letting go.
