Rich and Poor
Introduction to Friendship
Ramdas and Shyamdas were two intimate friends. Ramdas was a successful businessman, while Shyamdas flourished as a great scholar. Despite their contrasting fortunes—Shyamdas was not wealthy, with his property amounting to less than one-tenth of Ramdas’s—the disparity did not hinder their friendship. Ramdas took pride in Shyamdas’s scholarship, and Shyamdas was content with Ramdas’s prosperity.
The Gift of Parenthood
Ramdas was blessed with a son, whom he named Madhav. Some time later, Shyamdas welcomed a daughter named Radha. Tragically, shortly after Radha was born, her mother passed away. Ramdas, along with his wife, took charge of the infant girl, raising her as their own. Over the years, the community came to know Radha as their daughter.
Exchanging Roles
As time passed, Ramdas had a thought: “Why not leave my son with Shyamdas? I do not wish for him to remain uneducated like me. If he lives under my friend’s influence, he would naturally become a scholar.” Consequently, Ramdas entrusted Shyamdas with the upbringing of his son.
Growth and Recognition
Thus, the children were exchanged. Radha, though the daughter of a poor man, was raised in great luxury. Madhav proved to be a brilliant boy, inheriting his foster father’s knowledge and wisdom. As he grew, he forgot his true parentage and recognized Shyamdas as his father. Soon, the talented young Madhav gained recognition far and wide, much to the delight of both Ramdas and Shyamdas.
The Strains of Class and Love
Because of their close friendship, Madhav and Radha played together throughout their childhood. Madhav came to cherish Radha deeply. As a young man, he naturally dreamed of marrying her. Meanwhile, Radha liked Madhav, but the reality of his family’s financial struggles made her hesitate. Every visit to his house left her eager to leave, despite enjoying his company.
A Proposal of Marriage
Eventually, Ramdas and Shyamdas decided that Madhav and Radha should be married. Shyamdas approached Madhav, saying, “My son! I am thinking of bringing Radha as my daughter-in-law. What do you say?” Madhav replied, “Father! You are only echoing what was already in my mind. I am most grateful to you.”
Then Ramdas asked Radha, “My daughter! I have chosen Madhav for my son-in-law. What do you say?” Radha responded, “Well, father, Madhav is an excellent choice, but don’t you think they are rather poor for us?” This shocked Ramdas, who valued her honesty.
Understanding True Wealth
Ramdas took a serious tone, saying, “It is high time for you to know that Madhav is the heir to all the wealth you are enjoying. He is my son. You are Shyamdas’s daughter. Your upbringing by us was out of love, as your mother died when you were an infant. To prevent Madhav from becoming a spoiled child, I entrusted him to your father’s care. I am delighted that he has become a famous scholar. Do you still have any hesitation in marrying him?”
Radha lowered her head, her eyes moistening. Ramdas affectionately patted her and reassured her, “I know you had never had any hesitation!”
A Grand Celebration
Their marriage was celebrated with great pomp and jubilation, marking the union of not just two lovers, but also two families that had supported each other through the years.
