Pranaam yatri,
The Mumbai rains are back, and they brought along some diseases.
Nothing new there – except for a new patient: myself.
And the time off reminded me how important it is to do things I love – including writing Hastākshar.
So, here is today’s story.
In a quiet village, there lived a poor Brahmin named Harish.
He was a simple man with a heart full of love for his family, especially his two daughters, Anika and Lata. But there was a big problem – he didn’t have enough money to marry off his eldest daughter, Anika.
Every day, Harish watched the wedding date getting closer, and he felt helpless. He knew he couldn’t afford the wedding expenses and societal expectations. One evening, he decided to go into the nearby forest, feeling so overwhelmed by his troubles that he thought about letting a wild animal take his life.
‘If they kill me, at least some innocent animal may live’ he thought.
Walking deeper into the forest, he came face to face with a fierce lion! It looked like his end was near, but suddenly, a swan swooped in and said, “Wait! Don’t harm him. He’s here because he’s in trouble. Remember the price you killed two days ago? You ate the flesh, but have no use for the jewelry he had on his body. Take him to that spot. Maybe it’ll help him.”
The lion listened to the swan’s advice and led Harish to a hidden cave.
Inside the cave, Harish discovered a stash of valuable jewelry and coins. It was a treasure that could save Anika’s wedding! Harish was overjoyed and thanked the lion before returning home with the treasure. Anika’s wedding was a grand celebration, and everyone was happy.
Two years later, it was Lata’s turn to get married.
Harish remembered the forest and decided to try his luck once more. He thought he had a clever plan to get more treasure from the lion.
As he ventured into the forest again, the lion spotted him from a distance. The lion was about to pounce but remembered Harish from their last encounter. Not wanting to harm a man in trouble, he was about to walk away.
But just as the lion was about to leave, a crow shouted, “Don’t be a fool! When does prey ever come so easily to you? This is your chance to catch an easy meal. Kill him and feast for a few days!”
The lion lunged at Raj, who had no time to react.
He was dead – torn to pieces.
Be careful who you listen to.
Their words can change your life. It was the same lion and the same Harish. But the swan’s advice led to his family’s happiness and the crow’s words caused harm and death!
Until next week!
