The Fool

A Fool and His Brothers

Long ago, there lived a farmer with three sons named Jadu, Madhu, and Budhu. The first two were clever and smart, while Budhu was often regarded as a dunce.

The Inheritance

When their father passed away, Jadu and Madhu seized all the property, leaving nothing for Budhu. Naturally, this ignited Budhu’s ire, prompting him to demand an explanation for his exclusion from the inheritance. “Budhu, you’re a fool,” they replied. “If the property were in your hands, someone would surely deceive you. Haven’t you heard that a fool and his money are soon parted?”

Budhu’s Determination

Despite their words, Budhu was obstinate and insisted on receiving a share of the wealth. Thus, they gave him an old bullock as his portion. Satisfied with his meagre inheritance, Budhu set off the next morning to a cattle fair in a nearby town.

A Deal with a Tree

As he drove the bullock along the way, Budhu passed beneath a tree that emitted a peculiar crackling noise. Intrigued, he called out, “Will you buy my bullock?” Receiving no answer, he continued, “Very well, you can pay me tomorrow. I’ll leave my bullock here.”

Disappointment and Curiosity

Upon returning home, his brothers inquired about the price he received. Budhu claimed he had sold it for twenty rupees but would only collect the money the next day. Jadu and Madhu laughed at him, dismissing his words as absurd.

The Next Day’s Revelations

On the following day, Budhu revisited the tree, asking, “Where’s my money?” The only response was the same crackling noise. He returned home to tell his brothers that he would receive the money tomorrow. Amused, Jadu and Madhu learned he had ‘sold’ the bullock to a mere tree.

Seeking Answers

“Why, you fool! You’ll never get any money from a tree. Someone is bound to steal your animal. Go, you idiot!” they jeered. Stung by their ridicule, Budhu fetched an axe and marched back to the tree.

A Surprising Discovery

As he chopped at the branches, to his astonishment, the tree yielded a shower of gold coins. Unbeknownst to him, this treasure was stolen money hidden by thieves. Overjoyed, Budhu gathered the coins and returned home.

The Brothers’ Shock

Jadu and Madhu were left speechless by Budhu’s newfound wealth. When pressed for details, he led them back to the tree, revealing a hidden hoard of gold coins. They tied the money in three bundles and made their way home.

Confrontation with the Headman

During their journey, the village headman noticed their bundles and inquired about their contents. While Jadu and Madhu lied, claiming they held potatoes, Budhu, unable to contain his honesty, revealed the truth. The headman, overwhelmed by greed, attempted to snatch some coins, but Jadu and Madhu, seizing Budhu’s axe, struck him down. He died instantly, and the brothers buried him discreetly beneath a tree.

A Deceitful Cover-Up

Later that night, Jadu and Madhu replaced the headman’s body with that of a goat, certain Budhu would reveal their crime. True to their predictions, Budhu boisterously recounted the tale of his brothers’ misdeed, leading the villagers to the spot indicated.

A Shocking Discovery

To their dismay, they found only a goat’s carcass, prompting scoldings directed at Budhu. Following this incident, Jadu and Madhu absconded with their wealth, leaving the village in secret. Budhu, now burdened with gold, was arrested by the King’s soldiers on charges of theft.

A Fool’s Innocence

However, the King, hearing Budhu’s account, realized that such a simpleton could never orchestrate theft. Consequently, he released Budhu, who returned to his village, remaining as foolish as ever.