Stories from the Hitopadesa: Mitrabheda 

The Hitopadesa, which is believed to have been composed by Vishnu Sarma around 200 BC, is divided into four parts. The second part, ‘Mitrabheda’ describes how cruel and envious thoughts can destroy a friendship and how deceit and misinformation can drive a wedge between friends, causing disharmony. Last we read about merchant Vardhamana, who had fastened two bulls named Nandaka and Sanjeevaka to his cart as he set out on his journey. But on the way, Sanjeevaka broke his leg. The merchant left the bull in the forest and continued his journey. Let’s read about what happens next.