A Free Puff

Bhairav was a moneylender, and people often referred to him as a miser. He took this description as a compliment, asserting, “Anyone without money or wealth cannot be a miser. Whoever has money must also be a miser. Only then can he spare funds for others, to give loans and earn interest.” This was a principle he held dearly.

One evening, as he made his way back from the farm, Bhairav decided to stop by the cobbler’s hut. Chellayya, the cobbler, was thrilled to see the wealthy moneylender; surely, he would be interested in buying a new pair of sandals.

“Sir, I can sell you a fine pair for just fifteen pees—an exquisite pair that would cost you thirty rupees in the bazaar!” Chellayya exclaimed enthusiastically. “Who needs footwear?” Bhairav retorted dismissively. “The soles of my feet may wear out, but it doesn’t matter. In a day, they’ll be rugged again! No, I didn’t come here to buy shoes.”

With those words, Chellayya’s heart sank, realizing he might have lost a potential customer.

“On my way here, someone handed me a heedi,” Bhairav continued. “I know you smoke beedi, so I came to borrow your matchbox. Just let me take a puff!”