The Diamond Plant

The Merchant’s Tale

In a certain city, there lived a diamond merchant named Chandragupta. He spent most of the year traveling to distant lands, buying diamonds, and making a good profit by selling them to kings and noblemen.

Chandragupta had no children for a long time, but finally, a son was born to him. The delighted merchant named his son Dhanaraj. Unfortunately, his wife died when Dhanaraj was only a year old. Chandragupta did not remarry, fearing that a stepmother might mistreat the young child. He devoted most of his time to caring for Dhanaraj, which caused his business to suffer.

Dhanaraj’s Upbringing

Pampered by Chandragupta, Dhanaraj grew up but appeared too naive and innocent. He struggled to impress anyone with his studies or conduct. Chandragupta lamented the development of his son’s personality and became increasingly worried about the boy’s future.

A Father’s Final Wish

When Dhanaraj was about twenty years old, Chandragupta fell ill. By this time, the business had closed down, and whatever savings he had were spent on his treatment. Despite his efforts, there was no improvement in his condition.

As he neared death, Chandragupta called Dhanaraj and said, “My son, I was wealthy before you were born, but I have lost or spent everything. All I have left is this casket containing ten jewels. I have a great friend in the next town, named Keshav Gupta. You should go to him, sell these jewels, and start a new business. Keshav has a daughter named Kumudini. We had decided that you both should marry each other when you grew up. Remind Keshav about this. If you marry his daughter, he will guide you in your business.”

These were nearly Chandragupta’s last words; he died shortly after.

The Encounter with Keshav Gupta

Dhanaraj performed the funeral rites for his father and then set out to meet Keshav Gupta. He was received courteously, and Keshav expressed his condolences, saying, “I am very sorry to hear about your father’s death, who was a great friend of mine. Tell me, what can I do for you?”

Dhanaraj presented the jewels and said, “Nothing more is left with me. Please help me sell these, so I can start a business and marry your daughter. That should be enough!”

Keshav Gupta became furious upon hearing this. He remembered when he was a novice in business, and it was Chandragupta who had helped him succeed. Now that he was wealthy, he did not want to marry his daughter to an orphan with nothing but a few jewels.

With anger, Keshav retorted, “You seem audacious to come here with such a request. I have nothing to do with you or your jewels. Better go and bury them. Maybe a diamond plant might grow. Now, get out!”

A Twist of Fate

Keshav Gupta’s servants ushered the bewildered young man out. On his way home, Dhanaraj encountered a friend named Ranganath, who asked, “Hello Dhanaraj, why do you look so sad?”

“Brother, do you think diamonds would grow on a plant if I sow jewels?” Dhanaraj inquired.

Understanding his friend’s naivety, Ranganath replied, “Of course, they grow! But you must recite some mantras while sowing the jewels.”

“If you know the mantras, will you please teach them to me?” Dhanaraj implored. <p“I know them, but I cannot teach you—if I do, I shall die!” Ranganath insisted. He then offered to recite the mantras on behalf of Dhanaraj at midnight while they sowed the jewels together.

Dhanaraj agreed, and at midnight, Ranganath arrived. They buried the jewels in Dhanaraj’s garden while Ranganath recited nonsense. “Soon, a diamond plant will sprout. In a few months, you can dig it up and find diamonds like potatoes!” Ranganath misleadingly assured him before he quickly stole away all the jewels and left the town.

The Discovery of Riches

Days passed, and Dhanaraj was delighted to see a plant growing at the spot. Months later, as it grew big enough, he dug beneath it one night and was astonished to find not a single diamond. Unfazed, he continued digging until his spade struck something hard. He soon uncovered a steel trunk filled with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires of the finest quality.

Overjoyed, he carried the trunk to Keshav Gupta’s house and presented its contents to him. “My God! Where did you get all this?” asked Keshav, astounded.

“Why, sir! I sowed the jewels as you advised, and the plant produced not only these jewels but also this steel trunk!” Dhanaraj replied happily.

Keshav Gupta suspected Dhanaraj was joking, but he realized that the young man had become the richest person in the country, even without knowing how it happened.

A New Beginning

Impressed, Keshav Gupta happily agreed to marry his daughter to Dhanaraj and guide him in business. Under Keshav’s mentorship, Dhanaraj quickly transformed into an intelligent trader.