Accurate Prediction
The Sudden Shift
Bhombal was not required to work as long as his father was alive. However, his father’s sudden death compelled him to seek a means of livelihood. He decided to gather wood and sell it. Climbing a tree, he settled on a branch and began cutting it from the bottom.
A Warning Ignored
“Don’t do it, you fool! You shall fall down along with the branch,” cautioned a traveler. But Bhombal paid no heed to the warning. Needless to say, he had a significant fall before long.
An Astrological Query
After the fall, he got up and soon caught up with the traveler. “You must be an astrologer to have predicted my fall accurately. Now, be kind enough to tell me when I am destined to die!” he exclaimed.
The Traveler’s Response
The traveler looked at him derisively and replied, “You shall die when your donkey sneezes thrice!”
A Fearful Encounter
On his way home with his donkey, Bhombal encountered a small fire by the roadside. The smoke caused the donkey to sneeze.
Panic Sets In
“You sneeze twice more and I am gone!” cried Bhombal as he tied the beast’s mouth shut with a piece of cloth. This unfortunate action resulted in the donkey sneezing once more. In a state of panic, Bhombal then shut the donkey’s nostrils with two pebbles and tied its mouth again. The pebbles led the donkey to sneeze for the third time.
A Bizarre Fate
Bhombal lay sprawled out, senseless. Passers-by sprinkled water on him and fanned him. When he finally opened his eyes and sat up, he asked, “You don’t have to tell me that I am dead. But please tell me whether I am in heaven or hell!”