One-Way Ticket to Destiny

“My brother, find a trustworthy young man for my daughter. You know I have no son. The young man who marries my daughter will inherit my property. You know what I mean,” said Seth Jaikant to his dear friend, Pyarimohan.

“I know; you want me to find a young man who understands the value of money! In plain words, he should be as stingy as yourself,” observed Pyarimohan, laughing.

“You call me stingy. I call myself prudent. I want my heir to be equally prudent!” replied Seth Jaikant.

After a month, Pyarimohan wrote to Jaikant, informing him that he was sending two young men. They had not been told the true purpose of their visit, though it was likely they had guessed it. They would be with him for three days, after which the Seth could choose one to stay as his future son-in-law.

The two young men, Kumar and Swarup, were duly received by the Seth. He accommodated them for three days and then politely told Kumar, “My boy, I understand that both of you are ready to leave tomorrow. Do you mind staying on alone? Swarup can go.”

“I don’t mind,” said Kumar. Swarup turned to Kumar and said, “My friend, do you now understand why I bought a one-way ticket? I can use yours for the return journey!”

“What’s the matter?” asked the Seth, intrigued.

The two young men explained the situation. Kumar had bought a return ticket while Swarup had traveled to the Seth’s town on a one-way ticket. Swarup thought that if he was detained, he would not require a ticket for his return journey. If Kumar was detained, he could simply use Kumar’s ticket!

The Seth smiled at the cleverness of the young men. Slowly, he turned to Kumar and said, “I have changed my mind. Well, you can go, my boy. Swarup can stay on.”