Pills for Slimming

The place was Ganganagar. Gangubai was a rich woman who kept several servants to attend to all the chores in her house. However, after her son brought his wife home, she began to send them away one by one. She wanted her daughter-in-law to manage all the household tasks by herself. The poor girl dutifully complied, tending to her mother-in-law’s demands while Gangubai lounged in an easy chair, giving out orders and instructions.

Gangubai delighted in the meals prepared by her daughter-in-law. The dishes were delicious, and the old lady often indulged herself with second and sometimes even third helpings. As the days passed, she grew fatter and fatter. Her movement became increasingly difficult, prompting her to call in a doctor. Many physicians examined her and prescribed various medicines to help her lose weight, but none provided the relief she sought.

Eventually, she heard about a particular doctor in Yamunangar and decided to pay him a visit. Upon meeting him, he handed her a bottle containing a hundred pills. Curious, she asked, “When do I take them? Are there any diet restrictions?”

“No, they are not to be swallowed,” the doctor explained. “Spread them on the floor and hold the bottle a little above your arm’s length. Each morning, pick up the pills one by one and place them back into the bottle. Repeat this exercise for a month, and you will be relieved of your obesity.”