The Lucky Diamond
Return to Rohitpur
Fesinikant, the jeweller, spent several years in Pataliputra before returning to his native state, Rohitpur. It was his dream to spend the remaining years of his life in that charming kingdom, rich in natural splendor.
Rajnagar was the capital of Rohitpur, and Rajnikant had his ancestral house in the town. He devoted his time to repairing it before opening his jewellery shop, knowing that gold and diamonds should only be stored in a strong house. He had brought only a few diamonds with him, one of which was exceptionally rare: a lucky diamond that could bring good fortune to its wearer.
The King’s Demand
One day, some of Rajnikant’s close friends inquired, “Do you have any lucky diamonds?” He replied, “I have one.” Just two days later, the chief commander of the king’s army suddenly appeared before him. “Rajnikant, you must surrender the lucky diamond to me. The luck of the whole kingdom depends on it. If I secure victory against our enemies, our people will be safe, and you will be among them. I hope you understand. Do not delay.”
Rajnikant was shocked. The lucky diamond he possessed was worth more than all the other diamonds he had combined. He wished to sell it to a great king but felt trapped by the commander’s demands. He requested, “Sir, allow me a week. The lucky diamond is mixed with ordinary ones, and it will take time to identify it.” The commander left, satisfied with this agreement.
Deception and Strategy
The next day, Rajnikant was summoned by the king, who questioned, “Was it not your duty to inform me that you possessed a lucky diamond? Who but the king deserves to have it? The kingdom’s luck relies on my own!”
“My lord, I was abroad all these years,” Rajnikant explained. “I was preparing to greet you when you summoned me. Very well, my lord, I shall offer the lucky diamond to you.” As he left, he encountered the king’s minister, who warned him, “Rajnikant, don’t give the diamond to the king. He is extremely forgetful and will lose it in no time. The kingdom’s welfare depends on my sound advice. Instead, give it to me.” Rajnikant hesitated. “But I’ve already promised it to the king!””
The minister smirked, “So what? Give the king an ordinary diamond! He won’t know the difference.” Reluctantly, Rajnikant agreed, “Very well, sir, I’ll do as you say.”
A Clever Ruse
That evening, the commander confronted Rajnikant, saying, “Bring out the lucky diamond at once, or you will die. My spies have informed me of your promise to the king and the minister.” Faced with imminent danger, Rajnikant thought quickly. “Sir, here is the lucky diamond,” he claimed, producing a glittering stone from his chest. “You deserve it since I promised it to you first.”
After the commander departed, the king’s messenger arrived, announcing, “The king expects your gift.” Rajnikant handed over another stone to the king and, just as he reached the gate, the minister called out, “Where is the diamond?” Rajnikant presented a third precious stone, and the minister beamed with satisfaction.
Later, the commander questioned Rajnikant, “How do I know the diamond you gave me is the real one? I hear that you’ve given diamonds to both the king and the minister!” Rajnikant replied smoothly, “Have you heard of Shyamji, the great diamond expert from Magadh? Why don’t you show him the diamond and ask if it is the lucky diamond?” The commander agreed, and a similar conversation unfolded between Rajnikant and the minister.
Two days later, Shyamji visited Rajnikant and said, “My brother, I’ve done as per your private message. All three asked me to test their diamonds, and I told each that his was the lucky diamond!” Rajnikant thanked him, a smile playing on his lips.
As Shyamji bid farewell, he noticed Rajnikant packing his belongings. “What is the matter? Where are you going?” he asked, surprised. Rajnikant replied, “In a land where the king, the minister, and the commander spy on one another, it is not a safe place. It could be attacked at any moment, and these men will never be able to protect their subjects.”
