The Miser and His Neighbor

The Greatest Miser

Biren was known as the greatest miser in the village, but his son, Sudhir, was a young man of a different nature. Biren’s neighbor, Ratnakar, was a farmer of modest means, and he was certainly cleverer than the wealthy Biren.

The Leaning Tamarind Tree

Biren had a huge old tamarind tree on his land, which bordered Ratnakar’s compound. The tree leaned towards Ratnakar’s house, and with the monsoon approaching, Ratnakar feared it might fall on his house if there was a strong gust of wind.

A Grateful Neighbor

One morning, Ratnakar met Biren and said, “I am most grateful to you for the tamarind pods. I have been getting at least a sackful of them every day.”
“But they are mine!” observed Biren.
“That is why I feel grateful to you! The tree is leaning over my house!”

A Thrilling Encounter

Later that afternoon, Biren had a mischievous dog that often chased children. However, when the dog chased Susheela, Ratnakar’s daughter, Biren decided to take action. Ratnakar approached Biren and said, “I wanted to express my gratefulness to you. But for your dog, I would have been at a loss.”
“How?” queried Biren.
“Last night, burglars were about to carry away my money and valuables. Your dog gave them such a chase that they escaped, leaving the booty behind,” replied Ratnakar.

Unexpected Alliances

Biren grew grave but realized he must feed the dog. He decided to send the dog to his farmhouse. Meanwhile, Sudhir had desires of his own; he wished to marry Susheela. Ratnakar knew that Biren would refuse this proposal, yet both of them were aware of Sudhir’s sincerity. Sudhir was willing to leave his own home for Susheela, but Ratnakar advised him to be patient.

A Secret Proposal

One day, Biren observed Ratnakar decorating his house and asked, “What is the matter?”
Ratnakar led him to a quiet spot and whispered, “I’ve taken my family to a Shiva temple that is miles away. The famous zamindar of Vishalpur visited the temple, and his wife has taken a fascination to Susheela. She wishes for Susheela to marry their son. The zamindar will pay a visit to formally propose. But please keep this a secret; he does not wish for his visit to be public at this stage.”

The Weight of Wealth

Biren’s face paled. Soon after, a dignified-looking man arrived at Ratnakar’s house, and Biren couldn’t help but visualize the grand marriage procession that would take place if Susheela married the zamindar’s son. Ratnakar would gain favor and esteem, while Biren’s own position would decline.

Hope and Desperation

As the zamindar was about to leave, he was heard telling Ratnakar, “You should pull down your hut and build a proper house!”
“How can I, sir? I am but a poor farmer!” exclaimed Ratnakar.
“Well, my friend, leave that to me. I will do the needful!” promised the zamindar.

Seeking a Proposal

Biren felt as if his legs were paralyzed. How would his own house look next to Ratnakar’s new construction? As soon as the guest was gone, Biren dragged Ratnakar into his house and implored, “My brother, I have a request. First, you must promise to comply with it.”
“I promise,” said Ratnakar, surprised.

A Request from the Miser

“I want Susheela to be my son’s wife,” Biren stated.
“But…”
“You promised to comply with my request,” Biren reminded him.
“I cannot give any dowry!” protested Ratnakar.
“Who cares for dowry? I don’t want even a broomstick from you!” asserted Biren.
“I must send a note to the zamindar,” muttered Ratnakar.
“Of course, it is not necessary, for the man who approached the zamindar is one of his humblest admirers!”