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A short, but powerful fictional piece with a strong social message.
Once there was a man in Persia named Bohlol Dana. He was famous for his wisdom and benevolence. Bohlol used to spend his money to help others.
“I am just relying on the fumes.”
Once, Bohlol was making a basket near an eatery. He saw a poor scrawny man standing in front of the shop. His clothes were tattered and he seemed very hungry. He was just staring at the food items covetously. A chef saw him and did not like his presence there. He came out at once and said, “Why are you standing here?”
“I am very hungry,” the poor man replied.
“Do you have money?”
“No Sir. If I had money I would have bought something to eat. I am just relying on the fumes.”
The chef slapped him and forced him to pay for the fumes that he consumed. The poor fellow started weeping as he had no money. When Bohlol saw all that, he went there and told the chef that he would pay on the poor man’s behalf. He asked the price of the fumes of the delicious food. The chef asked him to pay fifty coins for that. Bohlol at once took out fifty coins, made them clink and put back in his pocket. The chef got very angry. “Pay the price at once.”
“But I have already paid the price”
“Everyone witnessed that you put the money back in your pocket”
“Yes. Didn’t you hear the clinking sound of fifty coins?”
“Yes, I heard.”
“That clinking was the price of the fumes that the poor man smelled. You are paid and everyone witnessed it.”
All the people supported Bohlol and laughed at the chef. He got embarrassed and left hurriedly. Bohlol and the poor man had their lunch together.
(Note- This is a real story with some variations)
Pic Courtesy: Morguefile
More poems in New Year 2016 Literature Special
Oh Calcutta! – By Sufia Khatoon
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Horizons – By Ipsita Ganguli
Poetry – By Gauri Dixit
Kadambari – By Dr Ampat Koshy
To Chiyo – By Joanna Sarah Koshy
Silverfish – By Dr Amit Shankar Saha
The Screen – By Daipayan Nair
Unearthing Life – By Anand Sehgal
Reminiscences – By Mallika Bhaumik
Talk of Shades – By Ananya Chatterjee
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Fatima is a teacher residing at the city of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (India). She has a B.Ed and MA (English Literature) from the University of
Lucknow and has also worked as a Content Editor for a reputed
curriculum publication where four of her poems were published in the
textbooks meant for primary grades. Her first poem,'Friendship' was published in The Hindustan Times when she was a secondary student. Two of her poems are also selected for Aquillrelle Anthology. She has recently joined a Comprehensive Creative Writing Course from The Writer's Bureau, UK.
All Posts of Fatima Afshan
All Posts of Fatima Afshan
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Today’s Motivation
The man of wisdom is never of two minds; he has got clarity of thoughts.
The man of benevolence never worries; he does not expect anything in return.
The man of courage is never afraid; he accepts challenges without fear.
Thank you so much dear Anindita. 🙂