The Dream and the Lessons Learned
Introduction
Saroja, the wife of Shripati, was a sweet-natured girl. However, it was difficult to find a woman as quarrelsome as Durgabai, Shripati’s stepmother. Despite her sharp tongue, Shripati treated Durgabai with respect, having lost his parents at a young age. Although Durgabai never missed an opportunity to chide Saroja, Shripati kept quiet.
The Dream
One night, Durgabai had a disturbing dream in which Saroja insulted her and was about to beat her. She was under the impression that dreams occurring at the end of the night often came true. Waking up in a fit of anger, she stormed out of her room and found Saroja cleaning the house.
The Confrontation
“You daughter of a vampire! You must call me names and beat me, will you? What audacity!” Durgabai shouted, striking Saroja on the head. “What an evil dream I had to suffer because of you!” she concluded, delivering a second blow.
Shripati’s Dilemma
Shripati grew pensive. As a dutiful young man, he felt he could not disown his stepmother for her rudeness, especially since Durgabai had nowhere else to go. Yet, he couldn’t ignore her unjust behavior towards Saroja.
A New Morning
A few days later, Shripati approached Durgabai with folded hands. Bending down to touch her feet, he offered her a coin. To Durgabai’s pleasant surprise, he explained, “Mummy, in my dream, I have been directed to offer you a rupee every morning. Please accept it.”
Durgabai’s Delight
“Sonny, you are an angel!” exclaimed Durgabai, happily accepting the coin. Meanwhile, Saroja felt puzzled by her husband’s peculiar behavior. “Is it because I am losing my wit that everyone’s actions seem so strange?” she wondered.
A Shift in the Narrative
A fortnight passed, and one morning, Shripati approached Durgabai again. “So, let us go to the police station. Let the matter be settled by the proper authority.” Bewildered, Durgabai asked, “What do you mean, sonny?” Shripati explained, “I dreamt that you murdered Saroja. I caught you red-handed. My sleep ended there. So, let’s go to the police station.”
Facing Reality
Durgabai, on the verge of tears, asked, “Are you out of your senses, child? Does any sensible man act according to a dream?” Shripati countered, “But it was you who taught me to act according to a dream! You beat Saroja because of a dream, and I give you a rupee a day. Why then do you grumble about my following my latest dream?”
Resolution
At this, Saroja, who had been listening, confronted her husband, saying, “Must you joke with mummy? Are you not behaving like a child?” Shripati smiled and left the scene, but Durgabai was a changed woman. From that day forward, she never harassed Saroja again.