The Plot that Failed
Introduction to Vijay Verma
Vijay Verma was an officer in the royal service of the state of Vijaypur. He was known for his honesty and integrity, never yielding to any pressure when it came to matters of principle.
The Corruption Around Him
Unlike Vijay, many officers in the king’s administration were corrupt. Some regularly accepted bribes, while others expected a ‘friendly gift’ for favors rendered. Naturally, they would show greater favoritism during future occasions. However, Vijay remained steadfast in his principles.
Warnings from Friends
Concerned for his well-being, some of Vijay’s close friends warned him, “You should not be so strict in your conduct. You might land yourself in danger.” Vijay replied, “I don’t care. But I strongly believe that the Divine will protect me as long as I remain truthful.”
The Conspiracy Against Him
Unfortunately, his friends’ fears were not unfounded. Those who worked under Vijay were unhappy with him for not allowing them to engage in corrupt practices. Seeking to discredit him, they conspired against him, led by an officer named Subir. They raised a thousand gold coins, buried them in a pot, and concealed it in the backyard of Vijay’s house.
The King’s Investigation
Hours later, the king received an anonymous letter claiming that Vijay was in the habit of accepting bribes and had buried his ill-gotten gains. The king paid a surprise visit to Vijay’s residence, and his men dug in the area specified in the letter. To their astonishment, they discovered a pot filled to the brim with cow dung!
Twists and Turns
Furious and bewildered, the king realized someone had played a practical joke on him. Meanwhile, the conspirators were equally mystified. Unbeknownst to them, a thief had trailed them to Vijay’s backyard, looted the pot of gold, and replaced it with cow dung.
A New Trap
Undeterred, Subir devised another scheme to ensnare Vijay. On a rainy night, two men and a woman knocked on Vijay’s door, introducing themselves as pilgrims seeking refuge. They requested Vijay to keep a bundle of ornaments for safekeeping until morning.
The King’s Orders Again
Vijay, being kind-hearted, accepted their request. Shortly afterward, the king received an unsigned letter claiming Vijay had acquired the ornaments through dubious means. Instantly, he commanded his guards to surround Vijay’s house and search it thoroughly, but no ornaments were found.
The Truth Revealed
“I’m sorry, Vijay, but I was informed that you just received a bundle of ornaments!” the king said. Vijay explained, “My lord, I did. Three pilgrims had deposited it with me, but they soon returned to reclaim it, stating they needed to leave town tonight.”
Justice Prevails
Before he could finish, the guards returned with the very man and woman. “While patrolling, we noticed these individuals acting suspiciously. Upon detaining them, we discovered this bundle of ornaments,” they reported.
Conspirators Exposed
The captured pair confessed they had been hired by Subir, who had disguised himself among them during their encounter with Vijay. After Subir sent his letter to the king, they succumbed to temptation and attempted to reclaim the bundle.
The Aftermath
Subir was arrested and imprisoned. The other officers quickly learned that plotting against Vijay was a fool’s errand. From that day on, Vijay’s friends remarked, “You are indeed protected by the power of your honesty!”