Tit for Tat

There was a terrible drought in the village of Rampur. The rivers had run dry, and what little water remained in the wells and ponds was muddy and unfit for drinking. Just outside Rampur, however, there was a deep tank that still held water, and the villagers trudged all the way there to fetch it.

Krishna collected water in pots for ten families, each of whom paid him ten rupees every month. It was hard work, but this was how he earned his living. An honest man, Krishna performed his duties diligently, delivering water to each house without fail every single day.

However, one day, a thorn embedded itself in Krishna’s heel, causing him such excruciating pain that he could barely walk. Unable to make the journey to the tank, he did not deliver water to anyone that day. Normally reliable, the other villagers understood his absence, except for Virabahu, who was less forgiving. When it came time to pay Krishna, Virabahu deducted a rupee for the day he missed.

“I’ve delivered water every day without fail for so long,” protested Krishna. “I couldn’t come that day because I was in pain. How could you cut a rupee from my wages for such a small thing?” Virabahu’s response was cold and curt: “How am I concerned with your troubles?”

Krishna left quietly after the confrontation. A few days later, when Virabahu was expecting guests, Krishna deliberately did not take water to his house that day. The next day, Virabahu was furious. “Do you know how much trouble I had yesterday? Why didn’t you bring water?” he scolded. Krishna calmly replied, “How am I concerned with your troubles? You may cut a rupee from my wages if you want!” Virabahu was left speechless, unable to respond.