Stories

The Tree of Gratitude

Once upon a time, in a small village nestled between the mountains, there lived a young boy named Arjun. Arjun was known for his cleverness and ambition. He had big dreams of becoming a successful merchant and living in a grand city, far away from his humble village. His parents, Kamal and Maya, were simple, kind-hearted people who worked tirelessly on their farm to provide for their family. They always told Arjun that no matter how far he went in life, he should never forget his roots or the love and sacrifices of his parents.

As Arjun grew older, he became more determined to leave the village. One day, after much persuasion, he set off to the city, telling his parents he would return only once he had earned enough to build them a grand house and provide them with all the luxuries they deserved.

Years passed, and Arjun became successful in the city. He amassed wealth, owned several shops, and his name became well known. Yet, the further he climbed up the social ladder, the more distant he grew from his village and his parents. He sent them a few letters and some money from time to time, but his visits became less frequent.

One day, he received a letter from his mother. It was simple, but it touched his heart deeply: "Arjun, we are proud of all you have accomplished. We are well, but we miss you dearly. Please come home soon, for your father’s health is not what it used to be."

Arjun was busy with his business and didn’t think much about it. After all, he had promised to build them a better life and thought they were better off without troubling him. He continued with his work, putting his parents’ plea aside.

Years passed again, and Arjun’s father, Kamal, fell ill. Arjun received word that his father was on his deathbed. The news shook him, and he hurried back to the village. When he arrived, it was too late. His father had passed away just a few days before. Arjun was devastated and filled with guilt for not having returned sooner. He knelt beside his father’s grave and wept.

His mother, Maya, gently placed a hand on his shoulder and said, "Arjun, my son, you were always our pride, but remember, the greatest treasure in life is not wealth or fame, but the love and care of those who are with you. I have spent many nights waiting for you to return, not because I wanted riches, but because I wanted my son."

Arjun looked into his mother’s eyes and realized the depth of her love and sacrifice. He had spent years chasing success, but in doing so, he had lost the most precious thing: the love and presence of his parents. Arjun vowed to never again let ambition blind him to the importance of family.

From that day forward, Arjun dedicated himself not only to his business but to honoring the memory of his parents. He used his wealth to build a school and a clinic in the village, helping the people who had supported him as a child. He visited his mother often, taking time away from his busy life to sit with her, listen to her stories, and share in her wisdom.

And as for Maya, she lived the rest of her days with a heart full of peace, knowing that her son had learned the most important lesson of all: that no success could ever replace the love of family, and the best way to honor one's parents is by never forgetting them, no matter how far life may take you.

Moral of the story: True success is not measured by wealth or achievements, but by the love and respect we give to those who have given us everything—our parents.

The Greedy Farmer and the Magic Tree

Once upon a time, in a peaceful village, there lived a farmer named Rajan. He was hardworking and dedicated to his fields, but he had one major flaw—he was incredibly selfish. Rajan always thought about his own needs and desires, rarely considering the well-being of others.

One day, while working in his field, Rajan came across a strange tree. It was unlike any tree he had ever seen, with golden leaves and shimmering fruit that glowed in the sunlight. Intrigued, Rajan reached up and plucked one of the golden fruits. As soon as he took a bite, the tree spoke to him in a deep, warm voice.

"Rajan," said the tree, "I am a magic tree. You may take as much as you want, and I will grant you anything you desire, but remember this: the more you take for yourself, the less others will have. The choice is yours."

Rajan, filled with greed, thought only of himself. "Why share this tree with anyone else?" he thought. "I can have all the wealth and power I could ever need." So, he continued to take fruit from the tree, every day. Each time he ate a fruit, he grew richer, his fields became more fruitful, and he was able to build a grand house.

But as Rajan’s wealth grew, the village began to suffer. The farmers around him struggled to grow crops, and the villagers began to feel the effects of the magic tree’s warning. The once abundant land now seemed barren, and everyone noticed that there was less to go around.

One day, an old woman from the village came to Rajan and asked him, "Please, Rajan, share some of your wealth with us. We are struggling, and your prosperity could help us all. Don’t you see that your greed is causing harm to the village?"

Rajan, however, was not moved. "I’ve earned all of this through hard work. Why should I share it with anyone? Let them fend for themselves!" he replied, dismissing her plea.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, but the village’s condition worsened. Crops failed, and the villagers grew poor. One evening, as Rajan sat in his grand house, surrounded by his riches, he heard a knock at the door. It was the old woman again.

"Rajan," she said softly, "the magic tree warned you, and now the land is paying the price. Do you not see that your selfishness has taken from everyone, including yourself? What good is your wealth if there is no one left to share it with?"

Rajan’s heart sank as he realized the truth. His greed had not only hurt the villagers, but it had also isolated him. He had no friends, no neighbors, no one to enjoy his riches with. The more he had, the lonelier he became.

That night, Rajan went to the magic tree and fell to his knees. "Please forgive me," he begged. "I have been selfish, and I see now that it has only brought harm. What can I do to make things right?"

The tree, seeing Rajan’s sincere remorse, spoke again. "Rajan, you can still make amends. Return what you have taken and share with others. Only then will you find true happiness and peace."

Rajan returned to his village the next morning and called the villagers together. He shared his wealth with them, helping to rebuild their farms and their homes. He worked alongside them, showing kindness and generosity.

As he gave, something magical happened. The land began to flourish once again. The crops grew tall, the animals became healthy, and the village became prosperous. Rajan realized that the more he gave, the more happiness he received in return.

From that day on, Rajan was no longer selfish. He became known as the generous farmer, and his village thrived because of the kindness he showed to others.

Moral of the story: Selfishness may bring temporary gain, but it can lead to loneliness and loss. True happiness comes from sharing with others and considering their well-being alongside our own.