A Dacoit's temple
October 02, 2018
A short story
Daku Adhir came late one night into the home of Bishu bania and stole all his cash.
Bishnu bania was renowned as an honest man which was an odd thing for a bania but people said he didn't have much of a choice in the matter given his poor physique. Sometimes threat of violence can keep people honest.
News soon spread that Daku Adhir singh used the money to build a temple just outside the village. Everyone was surprised. But Adhir singh explained that he has decided to change his ways and the construction of the temple is how he has decided to get started on a good life. He announces free lunch every day and free medicines to the needy in the temple.
Few weeks later, Daku Adhir singh made a visit to the house of Bishnu bania. Partly, to apologise for his misdeed. He explained to the scared and surprised baniya that he had to rob him because he wanted at least the statue in the temple to be made of "honest" money. Since all he had was money stolen from rich merchants and we all know how the rich get their money. They are no better than me, he explained. Since they have stolen it from poor peasants. Only, Bishnu was a hard working honest man. Since at least the statue should be procured from money from a earned in a fair way, Adhir had no choice but to loot Bishnu.
Bishnu bania folded his hands and thanked Adhir singh for telling him the truth. He said, may god forgive him too and may the temple flourish in this cruel world like the Palash flowers in the harsh summer sun. The Daku got up to leave and Bishnu apologized for not offering him tea or buttermilk. His wife was too sick and bed ridden. And he had no money to get her operated at the hospital in the city.
Bishnu bania was renowned as an honest man which was an odd thing for a bania but people said he didn't have much of a choice in the matter given his poor physique. Sometimes threat of violence can keep people honest.
News soon spread that Daku Adhir singh used the money to build a temple just outside the village. Everyone was surprised. But Adhir singh explained that he has decided to change his ways and the construction of the temple is how he has decided to get started on a good life. He announces free lunch every day and free medicines to the needy in the temple.
Few weeks later, Daku Adhir singh made a visit to the house of Bishnu bania. Partly, to apologise for his misdeed. He explained to the scared and surprised baniya that he had to rob him because he wanted at least the statue in the temple to be made of "honest" money. Since all he had was money stolen from rich merchants and we all know how the rich get their money. They are no better than me, he explained. Since they have stolen it from poor peasants. Only, Bishnu was a hard working honest man. Since at least the statue should be procured from money from a earned in a fair way, Adhir had no choice but to loot Bishnu.
Bishnu bania folded his hands and thanked Adhir singh for telling him the truth. He said, may god forgive him too and may the temple flourish in this cruel world like the Palash flowers in the harsh summer sun. The Daku got up to leave and Bishnu apologized for not offering him tea or buttermilk. His wife was too sick and bed ridden. And he had no money to get her operated at the hospital in the city.