A Treasure Box

By Ashwini Solanki

One day Ramu the son of a village woodcutter was walking home from school. He was sad as his school fees were not paid and he was expelled from the school for this. He went to home and told his parents about this. His dad couldn’t arrange his fees and due to less financial income Ramu had to leave his studies and start working at a very young age.

Since he was a son of a woodcutter he knew this art of cutting woods from childhood. He too joined his father now in cutting woods in the forest. Ramu was too artistic in school so he would cut the woods and then make various designs out of it and then sell wooden toys or art pieces in market. Like that he started earning a good income. Ramu’s father was happy seeing his son progress.

One day a rich zamindar of his village came to Ramu’s shop and saw his art work. He was too impressed by Ramu’s work. He and his wife decided to give contract to Ramu for making wood furniture and artistic showpieces for their haveli which they were going to make on their ancestral land full of trees. Ramu and his family were too happy as it would provide a good income to the family.

From next day Ramu started cutting trees on their land. Days passed and Ramu almost completed his work. One day he was cutting a tree and while cutting and removing the entire tree the land uprooted and Ramu saw a box under it. He opened the box and saw it was filled with gold and diamonds and jewels. Looking at so much wealth he felt very happy and was going to take this treasure box to his home. But then he thought he was a honest man he never earned money through any misdeeds or in any wrong manner. His family too was simple and always taught him moral values. For a while, he became greedy but its not right. 

He decided that this land is of zamindar saab so this treasure box belongs to him and not me and so he went to zamindar saab and informed all this. The zamindar saab came and saw the box and said “This box belongs to you Ramu it was your hardwork and so you were rewarded by God.” But zamindar saab its your land so it belongs to you Ramu replied. The zamindar saab said ok then if it belongs to me then I am too impressed by your honesty and I am giving this to you as a reward of your honesty. 

Ramu was too happy by getting the treasure box. All his problems will be solved now. Also, impressed by his honesty the zamindar decided to marry his daughter with Ramu. Both the families were too happy by this decision. Now Ramu’s family was well respected in their village.

Ramu started his own business and within a year he achieved great success. Also he did many charitable works in their village and since he was deprived of education and couldn’t fulfil his dreams due to lack of money he opened a free school for poor children and the one who couldn’t afford school fees. Though he couldn’t complete his education his hardwork and honesty made him successful.

Moral – One should be honest and keep doing hardwork , luck will favour you one day and success will come your way.

By Ashwini Solanki