Gangu, a Brahmin, is a short-tempered and illiterate individual who desires the world to respect him and bow before him. He is illiterate and does not enjoy the intoxicating bhang booti. The narrator ,Sarkar, is a Brahmin who rarely converses with his servants and prefers to do tasks independently. His servants rarely approach him without good reason, often borrowing money or complaining about others. He dislikes these habits and pays all salaries on the first of every month.
One morning, Gangu visits Sarkar who is late for his morning walk. Sarkar politely asks why he hasn’t called him, but he declines. He then asks for an advance and complains about a woman, Gomti Devi, who has been kicked out of the vidhva ashram. Sarkar is puzzled by this request and wonders why he would feel offended.
Sarkar, who considers himself an epitome of kindness, asks Gangu to clarify the matter. Gangu respectfully explains that the woman has been kicked out of the vidhva ashram and wants to marry her. Sarkar is left wondering how Gangu can unburden himself and maintain his reputation as the master of the house.
Gangu , who is conventional Brahmin wants to marry a woman named Gomti, who has been married three times by employees of the vidhva ashram and has become an object of interest for rogues. Gangu is unsure how long she will stay with him, as she has already left her husbands. He is concerned about the safety of his job and the potential problems that may arise from marrying a debauched woman.
Gangu’s decision to marry Gomti is met with skepticism from Sarkar , who believes it would be unsafe to employ someone who would marry a debauched woman. He feels that his life will change for the better and that the rest is the will of God. Five months pass, and Gangu has married Gomti and is living in a shack in the same mohalla. He earns his living by selling chaat and is content with his life.
One day, Gomti leaves Gangu, and Sarkar is happy to hear this news. He feels like he has a rare opportunity to face the social stigma and find freedom. Many people have accused Gomti of betraying others, but these words fall on deaf ears. Sarkar questions Gangu about his happiness with Deviji and asks him if he is truly happy with the new blessing of Deviji. Gangu is anxious, desperate, and lost, and Sarkar pretended to feel sorry for him. He questions whether Gomti ran away with all his money or spared something for him.
Gomti Devi leaves Gangu and he tells Babuji or Sarkar that she has left all of her belongings failing to comprehend what wickedness she sees in him.He is illiterate but she ain’t and he earns only ten to twelve annas a day, but she spends them judiciously. Gangu is disappointed and believes that she is a divine blessing. He decides to search for her and promises to return once he finds her.
Babuji had to go to Nainital and after returning to Nainital, Babuji sees Gangu with a newborn baby in his arms. Gangu is filled with gratitude and conviction, and he shares the news of Gomti’s birth, which is a month old. He claims that Gomti has escaped death and has a new life. Gangu is not angry, as he still loves Gomti and believes she loves him too. He chose to possess a field that had already been sown and he will never betray her.
Gangu praises Babuji or Sarkar as a thorough gentleman and he always asks Gomti to visit him. Babuji is shocked by his appearance and realizes that his niceness is a facade. He decides to meet Gomti and praises his greatness. Babuji hugged the child close to his heart and walked away with Gangu.
Summary of Munshi Premchand The Holy Gift
