A Pleasant Surprise
The Need for a New Temple
It was high time for the people of Shyampur to build a new temple for their deity. The old shrine was crumbling, and it was a shame for the villagers to have such a dilapidated structure representing their faith.
The Priest’s Initiative
The priest was a wise and clever man. He consulted some leading villagers and decided to raise funds for the construction of the new temple. They formed a delegation and approached the local landlord, requesting a donation.
The Landlord’s Hesitation
“Very well, first, begin with others. I shall give my share in due time,” said the landlord. However, the priest and the others knew that the landlord was a miser and rarely kept his word in such matters.
Persuasion
“But it will be a good omen to begin the subscription drive with you,” said the priest. “That will inspire others to follow suit!” added another villager.
Reluctantly, the landlord replied, “Very well. I promise you a thousand rupees,” though he smiled to himself, confident that the villagers would never receive more than a fraction of that amount from him.
A Meeting of Contributions
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p”That is a good amount and a good beginning,” said the priest enthusiastically. “Now, Sir, we have called a meeting this evening where the villagers will be asked to contribute their share. We request you to preside over the meeting and, if possible, to give your donation on the spot.” The landlord, fond of presiding over meetings, was delighted but reluctant to part with such a large sum.
A Shift in Plans
“I don’t have that much money at the moment. But I will pay a part of the promised amount,” he said, knowing full well that whatever he contributed that evening would be all he would pay.
The Landlord’s Wife Steps In
It so happened that the landlord’s wife was both religious and charitable. The delegates met her privately and explained the situation. “I shall do the needful,” she assured them with a smile.
The Meeting
The meeting was well attended, and the landlord was pleased to preside over it. “It is great news for us all that befitting his generosity and dignity, our noble landlord has offered a thousand rupees to the temple fund. He is going to pay his share right now!” announced the priest, extending his palms before the landlord.
The Pleasant Surprise
As the landlord stood up and pulled out a bundle of notes from his pocket, he wore a broad smile. However, when he handed the bundle to the priest, his face paled. The priest immediately raised the bundle high and exclaimed, “Look at the benevolent act of our landlord! He told us he would give only part of his promised donation today, but in order to give us a pleasant surprise, he has given the whole amount right now!”
A Twist at Home
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks for the president. However, upon returning home, the landlord asked his wife, “I don’t understand how a bundle of ten ten-rupee notes that I had kept in my pocket changed into ten hundred-rupee notes!”
“Your manager gave me a thousand rupees this evening. I kept that bundle in your pocket and took out the smaller one, just to give you a pleasant surprise!” said his wife with a smile.