A Lesson (Story in English)

 

Once there lived a rich merchant. His name was Somdev. Somdev had two sons. The name of the elder son was Sukhbir and that of the younger was Rajbir.

Somdev had a very big house. He had all the comforts. There was plenty of food to eat. He had many servants to serve him.

The nature of Sukhbir and Rajbir was very different from each other. Sukhbir was a hard worker. He always accompanied his father in his business. He worked sincerely to keep the trade flourishing. On the contrary, Rajbir was lazy and did not work at all. He spent his time and money on friends lavishly.

One day, Rajbir went to his father and said, "Father, give me my share of property, I want to travel and see the world."

Somdev was unhappy. He advised him to to drop the idea and join his business. But Rajbir would not listen to his father's advice. So, Somdev gave him his share of property.

Soon Rajbir left home and went to a far-off country. There he spent all his money on bad companions. He was left with very less money. He became very poor. Soon his friends also left him. Nobody wanted to help him. His friends now laughed at him. He regretted of not listening to his father.

He went back to his father and said, "Will you please give me shelter? I have nothing to eat and no dress to put on."

The father replied, "I shall give you anything. You should help me in my business, then I shall allow you to stay with me." This was a lesson for Rajbir. He realised that nothing can be achieved without hard work.

So, Rajbir agreed to work. He became a servant of his own father. He worked hard for a few months. Somdev was pleased to see his son work hard. He gave him place in the house and the best dress to put on. He gave a grand feast for him and said, "My son was lost and now I have found him." Rajbir was now a changed person.