In the city of Vardhamaan, there lived a skilled businessman. When the king of that state learned about his proficiency, he appointed him as the administrator of the kingdom. The businessman’s expertise impressed everyone, from common people to the king. After some time, the businessman’s daughter’s marriage was arranged, and to celebrate this joyous occasion, he organized a grand feast. He invited everyone, from the king to the people of the kingdom.
During the feast, a servant who worked in the royal palace accidentally sat on the chair reserved for the members of the royal family.Â
Enraged, the businessman publicly ridiculed the servant and expelled him from the celebration. Humiliated, the servant decided to teach the businessman a lesson.
A few days later, when the servant was cleaning the king’s chamber, he found the king in a light sleep. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the servant began to speak loudly, saying, “What courage the businessman has, engaging in inappropriate behavior with the queen!” Startled awake, the king confronted the servant, who quickly explained, “I couldn’t sleep last night, and I am just rambling. Please forgive me.”
The servant’s words planted doubt in the king’s mind. Later, the king reduced the businessman’s privileges by restricting his access to the royal palace. When the businessman came to the palace the next day for some work, the guards stopped him at the gate, and he was bewildered by their behavior. Nearby, a servant who had witnessed the earlier incident burst into laughter and told the guards, “Don’t you know? He is such a powerful person that he can kick you out of here. He banished me from his feast.”
Upon hearing the servant’s words, the businessman realized the gravity of the situation and apologized to the servant. The servant graciously accepted the apology, and the businessman invited him to his home for a feast. During the meal, the businessman sincerely apologized, acknowledging that his actions during the celebration were wrong.
Grateful for the businessman’s humility, the servant taught him a valuable lesson. The next day, the king, who had overheard the servant’s remarks about the businessman, reconsidered his decision. He revoked the restrictions imposed on the businessman, realizing that he might have been misled by false information.
From this story, we learn the importance of respecting everyone, regardless of their status, and the consequences of underestimating others. Treating people with dignity and humility is crucial, as one might face unexpected consequences if they belittle or mistreat others.
