HOW RAGHU OUTSMARTED HIS MASTER
Kishenlal was in an unusually cheerful mood. One of the farmers working on his land had presented him with a delightful gift—a plump roast chicken and a bottle of fresh fruit juice. The thought of enjoying such a feast made his mouth water with anticipation.
Calling his young servant, Raghu, he handed over the basket and said sternly, “Take this home carefully. There is a live bird and a bottle of poison inside. Do not lift the cloth, or the bird will fly away. And remember, even a slight smell of the poison can be deadly.”
Raghu nodded obediently and set off. However, the moment he was out of his master’s sight, curiosity—and temptation—got the better of him. Finding a quiet corner, he uncovered the basket, devoured the delicious roast chicken, and drank the fruit juice to the very last drop. Completely satisfied, he lay down and soon fell into a deep sleep.
Meanwhile, Kishenlal returned home, eager to enjoy his meal. But to his surprise, his wife said, “Lunch isn’t ready yet.”
“That’s fine,” he replied. “I’ll eat the chicken and drink the juice I sent with Raghu.”
His wife looked puzzled. “What chicken? What juice? I haven’t seen Raghu since morning!”
Furious, Kishenlal rushed out in search of the boy. He soon found Raghu fast asleep and angrily shook him awake.
Raghu opened his eyes lazily and said, “Master, you were right. The bird flew away as soon as I lifted the cloth. In my despair, I drank the poison… and now I am waiting for death!”
Kishenlal was left speechless, realising he had been cleverly outwitted by his young servant.
