The Landlord’s Kindness

Raghunath, a trader in donkeys, was camped at Gulpur, keeping his animals sheltered under a shade. He spent sleepless nights in the open, vigilantly guarding his donkeys against thieves.

One day, Sursen, the landlord, met Raghunath and expressed his sympathy. “I feel sorry to learn that you are passing sleepless nights,” he said. “You can stay in my small house, which lies deserted in front of Bhajanlal’s building. You won’t have to pay any rent.”

Gratefully, Raghunath accepted the offer and led his donkeys to the old house. Although it was very old, the house was well-protected by sturdy walls.

Raghunath’s donkeys were accustomed to neighing at night, which disturbed Bhajanlal’s sleep. Despite Bhajanlal’s requests for Raghunath to move his donkeys elsewhere, Raghunath did not comply.

One fateful night, heavy rain caused the old house to collapse, leading to the tragic death of Raghunath’s donkeys. Devastated by the loss, Raghunath was inconsolable.

The landlord summoned Raghunath. Upon his arrival, Sursen handed him five hundred rupees and announced, “I am reconstructing the house. It should be ready by evening. Buy donkeys immediately. I do not want Bhajanlal to have a peaceful night’s sleep!”

At that moment, Raghunath fully understood the true reason behind the landlord’s kindness; it was merely a tactic to disturb Bhajanlal’s slumber. Though he accepted the money, Raghunath chose to leave the village and start anew elsewhere.