Ratanlal's Windfall

Once upon a time there was a rich maize farm. Its owner Ratanlal used to take great pride every time he looked at it. Ratanlal had great hopes that after ripening of his crop he would take his produce to wholesale market in the city and would earn huge profits. In order to ensure the safety of his farm, Ratanlal used to spend most of his days at his farm only. He was so conscious that sometimes despite his family’s disapproval he spent nights also at his farm. One morning as Ratanlal woke after a good night’s sleep at his farm, he was shocked to notice that plants near the edge of the farm had been eaten away by some animal. Realizing that there were still two weeks for the crop to ripen Ratanlal was now worried how to catch hold of the culprit responsible for spoiling his crop. The day passed peacefully, but as the evening neared, Ratanlal made up his mind to stay awake the whole night to check the trespassing animal. His neighbor Chaganlal, who had also arrived in his farm by now, observed him sitting by his spoilt crop. “Ratanlal, had you also got your farm fenced like mine then no animal could have entered your farm today”, said Chaganlal to Ratanlal who was still lamenting his loss. Poor Ratanlal, who had not been able to get his farm fenced due to short of funds decided to remain quiet as their was no use in relating what was apparent from his modest life style. Soon the night enveloped the village into darkness. Ratanlal sitting by the edge of his farm near the plants eaten up by the wild animal was puffing at his chilam. The only sound he could here was of crickets and snores of his friend Chaganlal who was sleeping in the field nearby. It was becoming increasingly difficult for him to keep his eyes open as the day’s labor began to take toll on him. If not for that bright glowing light that fell upon him from back Ratanlal was just about to fall asleep snoozing unconscious of the world around him. Caught in his unawares by that light which was blinding to his eyes Ratanlal had an strange feeling that this was the source of harm to his field. Could it be his rivals’ plan to set his field to fire? He had to catch hold of whosoever was behind this light. In his attempt to catch the source of bright light Ratanlal was groping for just anything he could get his hands on. He found himself struggling with what seemed like an animal who wanted to free himself of Ratanlal’s grip. On a closer look, Ratanlal noticed that this weird looking creature resembled a deer but was amazingly bright golden in colour and emanated sort of strong heat from its body. Curious to know more about the animal Ratanlal decided to keep his grip tight upon one of the rear feet of the animal. Unable to free himself the animal took to the jungle near the village with the farmer in its tow. With no fight left in him but the curiosity still ablaze, Ratanlal pounced to hold a full grip upon the panting Golden Deer. “I’d take this deer to the king, he would definitely award me heavily for such a fine catch”, thought Ratanlal. “Oh dear farmer, please do not take me to your king”, spoke that amazing deer. Caught once again by surprise Ratanlal was now staring stupefied towards the deer. But adamant as he was to make up for the loss incurred by the deer to his farm, he was not ready to loosen his grip on the priceless animal. “Look oh farmer, I am not any normal deer as you think. I am a supernatural being. My world is a world of trust, failing which I have been sentenced to your world. I shall pay you for your loss but should you take any advantage of my helplessness you may put yourself into trouble”, saying this, the deer relaxed in Ratanlal’s grip. Ratanlal who was quite carried away by the deer’s ability to read his thoughts and talk like human beings asked, “Then tell me Deer, how will you pay me?” “You see I am made of all Gold, I will give you some strands from my tail, selling which you will get enough money to cover up your loss”, said the deer trying to sound convincing. Without any after thoughts Ratanlal agreed to the deer’s proposition. The Deer then allowed him to snap a few strands from its tail. “Sit at my back and I shall leave you to your farm. Going all alone you may get lost”, said the Deer to a dazed Ratanlal. Ratanlal, wondering how this animal of such small built would carry him, mounted its back. The deer raised himself above ground level and as if flying through the way delivered Ratanlal to his maize farm in no time. Before Ratanlal could turn to thank the animal, it vanished as quickly as it had arrived. Wondering if all that had just happened was not a part of his fitful imagination due to lack of sleep Ratanlal groped for the golden strands in his pocket. Smoothing the strand of golden hair tucked carefully in his pocket, Ratanlal turned around to take a quick look at his field. “Ohe Ratan, could you find the culprit?”, it was Chagan addressing Ratanlal by his short name. “The culprit proved too smart to disclose himself by repeating the visit”, Ratanlal said avoiding any further inquiries as he considered what jewelry would he gift his wife with some extra golden strands lying in his pocket.