The Snake and the Farmer
In a small, sun-drenched village nestled beside fertile fields, lived a kind and honest farmer named Ramu. Ramu was known for his hard work and his gentle nature, always tending to his crops with care. One scorching afternoon, as he was tilling his land, his spade struck something hard. Curious, he dug deeper, and there, to his astonishment, he uncovered a hidden earthenware pot glittering with gold coins!
The Discovery and the Guardian
Overjoyed, Ramu carefully moved the pot aside. As he did so, he noticed a large cobra coiled near it, its hood slightly raised, intently watching him. Although surprised, Ramu felt no fear. He believed that the snake was the guardian of the treasure. “Greetings, noble guardian,” he murmured respectfully. “Thank you for safeguarding this wealth. I will take some, but I will certainly leave plenty for you, for it is rightfully yours as well.”
From that day forward, Ramu would take a few coins from the pot each day, always ensuring a generous portion remained for the snake. In an astonishing exchange, he would consistently find that the snake had left a fresh gold coin on top of the pot for him each morning. This remarkable arrangement continued for many weeks, and consequently, Ramu’s prosperity grew steadily. He used his new wealth wisely, improving his farm and helping his neighbors, always remembering to thank the snake.
The Greedy Son’s Betrayal
One day, Ramu had to travel to a distant town for a family matter. Before leaving, he informed his son, a young man named Gopal, about their magical arrangement. “Son,” he instructed, “continue our daily ritual. Take some coins, but always leave enough for our friend, the snake. Furthermore, remember that the snake will leave a coin for us in return. Treat him with utmost respect.”
Gopal, however, was neither as kind nor as wise as his father. He resented the daily exchange, his mind quickly consumed by avarice. ‘Why share?’ he fumed. ‘If I kill the snake, all the gold will be ours immediately!’
The very next morning, driven by his covetousness, Gopal approached the pot. As the cobra emerged, calmly laying a gold coin on top as usual, Gopal swiftly snatched a heavy stick he had hidden nearby. With a vicious, downward blow, he brought it crashing onto the snake’s head.
The Tragic Consequence
However, Gopal was not quick enough. Though the snake was badly wounded, it managed to bite Gopal fiercely before slithering away into the dense bushes. Gopal screamed in agony, the venom quickly spreading through his body.
Hearing his cries, the villagers rushed to his aid, but tragically, it was too late. Gopal succumbed to the snake’s venom.
When Ramu returned and learned of the dreadful tragedy, his heart was heavy with sorrow and understanding. He went immediately to the spot where the pot lay. Upon seeing the bloodstains, he knew at once what his son had done. He waited patiently, and after some time, the cobra, still alive but injured, reappeared.
“Oh, noble guardian,” Ramu lamented, tears streaming from his eyes, “my son’s greed has brought this tragedy upon us both. I am deeply sorry for his foolishness.”
The snake looked at Ramu, its eyes filled with an ancient sorrow. “Ramu,” it hissed, its voice strangely clear, “we have exchanged kindness and gold. But now, between us, flows a river of blood, a chasm that can never be bridged. I cannot forget the pain, and you cannot forget the loss of your son. Our friendship, once so pure, is broken. Therefore, it is best we part ways.”
And so, the cobra disappeared into the bushes, never to be seen by Ramu again. Consequently, the flow of gold coins stopped. While Ramu still had his accumulated wealth, he deeply regretted the greed that had cost him his son and his extraordinary friendship.
Moral of the Story: Greed destroys trust and breaks even the strongest bonds. True wealth is not just in gold, but in honesty, respect, and mutual benefit.
