The Greedy Merchant

Morale of the Story: " Tit For Tat "

Long ago there lived an honest merchant named Gopikishan. He was very rich and he used to donate generously to the poor and the needy out of his wealth.
At one time his business fell on bad days and he suffered a heavy loss. Now he had to borrow money but these borrowings made him bankrupt. As it was of no use crying over misfortunes he resolved to shift to some foreign land for earning. He sold off all that he had except his weighing machine.

There was another merchant named Veluram in the town. Because of good business-relations Gopikishan went to him and narrated the story of his downfall.

Veluram expressed his deep sorrow and said, "How can I help you?" Gopikishan replied, "I've a heavy weighing machine which is difficult to carry. I'll be happy if you keep it with you until I return."

After that Gopikishan went for business and returned as successful business man. He now thought of getting his weighing machine back from Veluram.

But Veluram gave excuses that the machine was damaged by rats and he can only give it back, if he can buy an old one from the market. Gopikishan was socked but said, "If it's damaged by rats than don't worry. Let's forget about it." Gopikishan thought of an idea and asked Veluram if he would send his son Mawana to the river so that he can take care of the things. While Gopikishan was taking a bath.

Veluram was greedy and tried to explain his son, Mawana, to grab to precious things, but he fail to understand it.Near the river at the foot of the hill, there was a cave.

Gopikishan asked Mawana to go inside the cave, while he was taking a bath. Gopikishan sealed the cave with a big stone. He returned to Veluram and said, "May heavens save me. While both of us were returning a big eagle lifted your son and flew away.  Hearing this Veluram cried. "It's a white lie."

While they were both quarreling a wise man took them to the judge. When both of them told their own stories about the rats eating the weighing scale and the eagle taking away the boy,

The judge thought there was some mystery. He told Veluram , "Return the weighing scale and Gopikishan will return you your son."

Both had abide by the judgement and got their belongings back.

The End