Nothing

The Woodcutter’s Struggle

Long ago, there lived a woodcutter named Raju. He was a kind man who made a living by selling the wood he collected from the forest.

Monu the Mischief-Maker

In the same village lived a mischief-maker named Monu. He relied on his cunning and found great joy in playing tricks on others. As a result, everyone in the village feared him and avoided him as much as possible.

The Encounter

One day, Raju was returning home from the forest with a larger-than-usual bundle of firewood. Struggling under the weight, he staggered along, unable to lift it onto his head. Just then, Monu came by, singing to himself. Raju called out for help.

The Bargain

Monu promptly asked, “If I help you lift this bundle onto your head, what will you give me in return? What do you have?”

Raju replied simply, “Nothing.” Monu seemed satisfied with this and helped Raju load the firewood onto his head. However, when Raju said he had nothing to give, Monu demanded his promised reward.

A Quarrel Ensues

Raju insisted, “I told you I had nothing. What do you expect?” Monu replied seriously, “You promised to give me ‘nothing.’ Therefore, I must receive your ‘nothing.’ If you refuse to give me what you promised, you must part with your bundle of firewood.”

They soon found themselves quarrelling fiercely. Eventually, the case escalated to the magistrate, who listened to both sides calmly.

The Magistrate’s Wisdom

The magistrate first asked Monu, “What did you ask of Raju?” Monu replied, “I asked him what he would give me in return for my help. He said he would give me ‘nothing.’”

Then the magistrate asked, “Well, Monu, what did he do when you demanded your reward for helping him?” Monu answered, “He gave me nothing.”

The Resolution

The magistrate smiled and said, “Well, Monu, according to your own words, you received nothing, which is exactly what Raju promised you. If you continue this foolish argument, I will send you to jail. Now, be gone!”

Monu realized he had been outsmarted by his trickery. Defeated, he left the village and never returned.