The three stories in the collection – Sunday, Last Word and Laboratory – have been newly translated and published together in a single volume in English for the first time. Always known for his delineation of strong female characters, there are none quite as remarkable and independent as the three women in these stories. Exceptional in their own way, it is they who control and build the relationship with the men in the stories. Vibha, Achira and Sohini – they are the three companions. The English translation by Dr Mukherjee recaptures Rabindranath’s prose style, including both the nuances of his story and subtle cerebral wit.