SATYAN
-4. A Transformation

“…I knew that he (Dyanchand’s servant) would return back to your house as it would have been foolish to do otherwise.  He could have not only lost everything but would have also had to carry the stigma of being a robber if he did not come back.  Therefore, I was certain that he would get back and try to put the blame of the robbery on some outsider.  What would my friends feel when they come to know of this?  This thought worried me giving me an almost sleepless night.” 

Thereafter, Vasudev filled them up with all the events that had taken place on this day.  The King and the others found it hard to believe Vasudev’s dream and the sudden disappearance of the idol of Lord Krishna. 

Dyanchand turned to his servant and thundered, “Ramu!  What is all this I hear?” 

Ramu was looking terrified and sweating profusely.  “N..No, sire.  Ho…How can y..you believe in this b…boy’s story?  He’s l…lying.”  he sputtered.

Vasudev gave a faint smile, “What would I gain by lying?  The very fact that I ran way with Ramu’s bundle despite being fully aware that the wealth in it belonged to you makes me culpable and eligible for punishment.  It was due to this act of mine that even God has deserted me.  Thus, by speaking a lie in Ramu’s name, I am anyway not going to escape punishment.  Therefore, why should I lie?” 

King Bharadwaj who was listening intently to all of Vasudev’s confession now spoke up, “Ramu, till this boy spoke up you were fine.  Now why are you trembling like a leaf, sweating and faltering in your speech? Please explain this!”

“N…Nothing, M..Maharaj.  It’s just that I am f..feeling a bit cold at the moment.”   Ramu said terrified.

“You are trembling with cold in this humid climate!” the merchant exclaimed looking suspiciously at Ramu. 

“Speak up the truth, Ramu!  Or else you shall face severe punishment and torture that you will not be able to bear!”  the King warned.

“No, Maharaj!  Please do not be so harsh to me!  I admit it!”  Ramu fell at the feet of the King.  “Even though I worked sincerely, I always dreamt of leading a luxurious life without doing any work.  Therefore, I had an eye on the wealth of ‘Sethji’.  But till yesterday I never dared to commit any theft in this house.  Somehow, the other day, I mustered courage and planned to run away with his wealth in the night.  After they retired to bed, I waited patiently till they were fast asleep.  Then, I went to ‘Sethji’s’ room for getting the keys of the locker.  Working here for five years, I knew that he kept the keys under his pillow while he slept.  As he was sleeping on the other side of the pillow from where he had kept the keys, it made my task easier.  Thereafter, I accomplished my task with utmost caution.  Then, all that this boy has said is true, Maharaj.  After I fell, I could not get up for some time due to a severe backache.  By the time I managed to stand on my feet he had already run away with the loot.  For some time I did not know what to do.  As he (Vasudev) said, I will stand a loser if I did not return back to ‘Sethji’s’ house.  Finally, I decided to return and put the blame of the theft on someone else.  After I reached here, I heaved a sigh of relief finding the door unlocked which indicated that the family was asleep and were unaware about all the recent developments.  I woke them up and what I said is known to you, Maharaj.  Luckily, they believed me and felt that the thief must have entered in through an open window.”  Ramu concluded.

“Where were you planning to go with this wealth?”  the King asked.

“To my village where I once resided, Maharaj.  In all these years, neither of them (the merchant and his wife) ever asked me about my village.  They were very strict and spoke with me only when they had some work.  Thus, had I been successful in my plan, my whereabouts would have been unknown to them.”  Ramu revealed his plans.

Bharadwaj turned to the merchant, ““Dyanchand, he’s your culprit.  Punish him in whatever way you deem fit.” 

“Maharaj, in that case let him get out of my house.  I have no place for thieves.”  The merchant made known his decision.

“Did you hear that Ramu?  This time I am letting you go.  Another time you are caught, beware!”  Bharadwaj warned gruffly.

“T…Thanks, Maharaj.”  Ramu said.  He took his belongings under the watchful eyes of the King and the others, fell at his ‘Sethji’s’ feet seeking pardon and went away from there. 

The King looked at Vasudev, “Can you take me to your friends?” 

“Certainly, Maharaj.”  Vasudev consented.

Before leaving, Vasudev expressed his regrets for all that he had done the previous night to the merchant.  “Although what you did was condemnable, I am happy that you are now making a firm resolution to mend your ways.  I advice you to work hard and lead a honest and decent life.”  Dyanchand admonished.

“Thank you, sire.  I will do as you say.” assured Vasudev.

The King shook hands with Dyanchand before leaving.  “Where’s your little daughter?”  He enquired with the merchant. 

“She’s away in her grand parent’s house for a few days!” Dyanchand replied with a grin. 

Bharadwaj was foremost led to Hari’s house by Vasudev.  On the way, the King enquired about his family background and rebuked Vasudev for not following in the footsteps of his father who was a generous person.  On reaching Hari’s house, they found the other two friends of Vasudev (Shiva and Sridhar) with him.  All of them were surprised to see the King alongwith Vasudev!  “So, you are the ones who earn your living by stealing?”  the King asked them.

“S…Stealing?  We?  N…No, Maharaj!”  Hari floundered in fear. 

“Allright!  Tell me about your profession.”  Bharadwaj demanded.

“We a…are doing n..nothing, Maharaj.  Still undecided a…about our profession.” Hari spoke up again on behalf of his friends.

“Is that so?  Guards!  Search this house thoroughly!  See if you get some valuables!”  the King ordered his guards.

As the guards began their search, Bharadwaj asked Vasudev’s friends for their identification. 

In a short while, the guards discovered some costly jewellery and money in the house. 

“Tell me, Hari!  By doing nothing, from where did you manage to get these valuables from?” queried Bharadwaj.

(To Continue)