Story Overview:

“Dushman” is a psychological short story that explores the haunting nature of guilt, memory, and identity through a tense, fragmented conversation between a man and his “self-proclaimed friend”, who may be a manifestation of his own conscience or a figment of his troubled mind.

The protagonist is confronted by a persistent figure who claims to have been his lifelong friend, recalling shared memories and secrets from their past. The protagonist, however, denies any such friendship and insists he has always been alone. As their conversation grows increasingly tense, the so-called friend accuses the protagonist of terrible acts, including the murder of his own father, who is described as immoral and abusive. The protagonist is at first incredulous, but the details and accusations deeply unsettle him.

The narrative shifts to a dark, suffocating night on a busy street, where the protagonist feels pursued by this “friend”—who may, in fact, be a manifestation of his own guilt or conscience. In a desperate attempt to escape, the protagonist flees, climbs a high wall, and ultimately falls, left bloodied and semi-conscious on the road. The friend stands over him, smiling and also bleeding, declaring that he has saved the protagonist from death so that he can continue to endure the torment of his life.

Throughout the story, “Dushman” explores themes of guilt, isolation, and the struggle with one’s own conscience. The surreal, haunting atmosphere and ambiguous ending leave the reader questioning the nature of reality, memory, and whether the protagonist will ever find peace or redemption. (For a more detailed overview, click here)