Once there was a rich old man named Ravindar who lived alone in his mansion. Despite his wealth, he struggled to find a trustworthy servant. Whenever he found an applicant, he would test them rigorously. Many failed at the first test, and even if they passed that, they would fail the subsequent tests.
One day, a man named Arnai appeared before Ravindar. Arnai looked fair and healthy, and he immediately surpassed Ravindar’s expectations, successfully navigating through all the tests set by the elderly gentleman. Impressed, Ravindar hired him and Arnai began working for him, receiving his entry-level salary.
Arnai was well-educated but earned a modest income. Every night, he diligently noted in his diary vital information about his master. Over time, Ravindar grew fond of Arnai and shared memories with him, even trusting him enough to reveal the code to his cash-filled locker.
Unfortunately, Ravindar met with an accident and was hospitalized. A few days later, he instructed Arnai to retrieve money from the locker. Arnai went to Ravindar’s home, opened the locker, and was astonished by the wealth inside. He withdrew the necessary cash and paid the hospital bills.
As night fell, Arnai found himself increasingly drawn to the money in the locker. He rationalized that taking a single two-thousand-rupee note wouldn’t hurt, especially since he considered himself poorly paid compared to Ravindar’s wealth. Carefully, he wrapped cloth around his feet to avoid leaving footprints and covered his hands to prevent fingerprints. Stealthily, he approached the locker.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, another man appeared behind Arnai. Startled, Arnai slowly stepped away from the locker into the darkness and switched on a lamp. The newcomer was a tall, fair young man.
“Who are you?” Arnai asked nervously.
“Are you the man the master spoke highly of? I can’t imagine how the master would react when he finds out that you are stealing from him.” The young man replied.
Fear gripped Arnai, as he asked again, “Who are you?”
“I am Ravindar’s son, Vivaan,” the young man answered firmly. “I am going to call the cops.”
“I’m sorry. I won’t do it again. I’ll do anything you say,” Arnai pleaded.
“Anything?” Vivaan questioned.
“Yes, anything.”
“Alright. Give me that cloth in your hands.” Vivaan approached the locker and began fumbling with the keypad. It was throwing errors at Vivaan’s guesses.
Arnai seized the opportunity. “I know the passcode. Can I help you?” Arnai offered nervously.
Vivaan turned around. “OK. Try it.”
Arnai took the cloth back and entered the passcode. The locker clicked open. Vivaan instructed Arnai to withdraw three lakh rupees. Arnai counted the money and handed it over to Vivaan, who swiftly departed.
The next morning, Arnai woke up, surrounded by police. His fingerprints were found all over the living room, the locker, and the money. Arnai was devastated at the betrayal. The next day’s news headline read, “Servant arrested for stealing from a trusting master.”
Later, Arnai found out that Ravindar’s real son had not left Pune, and the “Vivaan” he met was an impostor who had read his personal diary the week before the accident.
December, 2024
