A Strange Content in the Bottle
The Miser and His Son
Many years ago, in a certain village, there lived a miser named Sukhvir. Money was his only God, and nobody had ever heard of Sukhvir giving away a paisa in charity.
In contrast, his only son, Ramu, was a young man of a different nature. He worked as an officer in a factory in the town, visiting the village only occasionally. After his mother’s death, he felt no attachment to the family home.
A Wealthy Bride
Despite Sukhvir’s nature, he soon found a suitable bride for Ramu. The bride, Sulata, arrived at Sukhvir’s house with a considerable dowry, for she was the daughter of a wealthy man. However, at her father-in-law’s house, she was treated almost like a maidservant. Sukhvir refused to hire any help for the household chores, nor would he allow Sulata to live in the town with her husband.
Struggles and Tears
Ramu hinted to Sukhvir that he would like to take Sulata with him, but Sukhvir either did not understand the hint or pretended not to understand. Sulata, however, bore her hardships quietly, shedding tears only when alone. She smiled only when Ramu visited, which was once every two or three months. Due to the nature of Ramu’s job, he could not stay longer than three or four days at a time.
The Mother’s Illness
One day, Sulata received news that her mother had fallen seriously ill and wished to see her. Sulata approached Sukhvir and politely requested permission to visit her parents. “Never!” shouted Sukhvir. “This is the harvest season. I have employed four laborers to work in the fields. Who will cook for them if you leave?”
Though Sulata remained silent at first, she soon learned from a messenger that her mother might not survive long without seeing her. Desperate, Sulata pleaded with Sukhvir to let her go.
A Challenge Accepted
“That is impossible!” shouted Sukhvir. “How can I manage without you?” Sulata responded, “There is nothing impossible, father. If there is a will, there is a way.” Sukhvir dismissed her words as nonsense. Holding up a bottle, he exclaimed, “Suppose I have the will to thrust something larger than this bottle’s mouth into it. Can I do it?”
“Why not, father? If there is a will, there is a way!” Sulata replied excitedly. Enraged by her response, Sukhvir handed over the bottle and declared, “Fine. You may go to your father’s house. But return only after you have succeeded in putting something into this bottle that is larger than its mouth’s circumference. You must not damage the bottle. If you cannot achieve the impossible, do not come back.”
Returning to Her Family
Sulata wiped her tears and accepted the bottle but made her own demand. “Father! I accept your condition, but you must also accept my condition.” Sukhvir frowned and asked, “What is it?” “If I can achieve the impossible, you must allow me to live with my husband in the town,” she said. Sukhvir reluctantly agreed and dismissed her.
The Magic of Possibility
Upon arriving at her parents’ house, Sulata’s father and uncle noticed the empty bottle she carried. “Why the empty bottle, my daughter?” they asked. “This is not a bottle but a notice that I will not return to my father-in-law’s house,” Sulata replied. After visiting her recovering mother, she shared the challenge from Sukhvir with her father and uncle.
“Never mind, Sulata. Rest for a week. The impossible will be done,” said Devdutt, Sulata’s uncle, known for his magical abilities. That same day, he filled a glass bowl with vinegar and placed an egg in it. After five days, he removed the egg, which had become soft and plastic. He carefully stretched it and pushed it into the bottle, then poured cool water over it. The egg returned to its normal shape and hardened inside the bottle.
Proving the Impossible
Sulata returned to her father-in-law’s house triumphantly. “Father! I have made what was impossible possible. Look at this egg inside the bottle!” she exclaimed joyfully. Sukhvir, astonished, examined the bottle, now intact, and acknowledged that the egg was indeed larger than the bottle’s mouth!
“Father, you must keep your promise and allow me to live with Ramu in the town. I will arrange for a reliable cook to manage the household, and we will return every month to ensure everything is in order,” Sulata proposed. Sukhvir had no choice but to agree.
A Happy Conclusion
The following weekend, when Ramu visited the village, Sulata shared the story of her father-in-law’s challenge and her success. Ramu was delighted with Sulata’s achievement and soon arranged for them to live together in the town. They lived happily ever after.