The Loyal Subject

The king’s sepoy went to Shankarshan and told him that he was being summoned by the king.

“Good. Let’s go. I’m a loyal subject of the king,” said Shankarshan as he set out for the palace with the sepoy.

As they walked, the sepoy remarked, “How could you betray a poor, old woman? You were about to be beaten up by a moneylender in the bazaar. The woman took pity on you and paid the moneylender on your behalf. You promised to repay her the very next day, yet a year has passed, and you still haven’t settled the debt. As everybody knows, our king hardly punishes anyone. He finds some good quality in every criminal to warrant a pardon. But do you really think he’s going to pardon you this time?”

“I’ll accept the punishment as I’m a loyal subject,” replied Shankarshan resolutely.

The two were nearing the bazaar when Shankarshan requested the sepoy to lead him to the palace via a lonely road. The sepoy obliged but asked, “Why did you avoid the bazaar?”