Munshi Premchand's Story: The World's Most Precious Gem
Our nation has, for centuries, been a cradle of great men and women—rishis, munis, poets, writers, musicians, and countless others. Their creations, the thousands of literary works they produced, are invaluable treasures.
Today's youth, immersed in the digital age, seem to be drifting away from our heritage and invaluable legacies. subkuz.com strives to connect you with these precious treasures, along with entertaining stories, news, and insights from around the world.
Presented here is a captivating story by Munshi Premchand, titled:
The World's Most Precious Gem
Dilfugar sat beneath a thorny tree, his heart overflowing with sorrow, tears of blood welling in his eyes. He was a devoted and heartbroken lover of the beautiful Malka Dilfarib, a paragon of beauty. There are lovers who dwell in perfumes and finery, clad in elegant attire, their passion fuelled by the glamour of their pursuit. But there are also the simple, innocent devotees, who wander through jungles and mountains, pouring out their pleas. Delfarib had demanded, "If you are my true lover, go forth and find the world's most precious gem, and return to my court. Then, I shall accept you as my servant. Failure to find it will result in your swift demise, and you will face the gallows." Dilfugar's feelings, his complaints, his longing to behold his beloved's beauty, were not even considered.
Delfarib's attendants, upon hearing her decree, roughly pushed the poor Dilfugar out. For three days now, this unfortunate man has been sitting beneath the same thorny tree, pondering his predicament: How can I find the world's most precious gem? Impossible! Is it a hoard of gold? Elixir of life? Khusrau's crown? A priceless jewel? The Peacock Throne? No, these things are not it. Surely there are things more valuable, more precious in the world, but what are they? How can I find them? Or God, why would my difficulties not be eased?
Lost in these thoughts, Dilfugar's mind raced, his reason overwhelmed. Muneer Shami was blessed with a helping hand, a savior. Oh, if only I too had a helper! Oh, if only someone would tell me the name of this most valuable thing in the world! If only it had been in my grasp, I would have known its nature! I can search for pearls the size of jars. I can seek the song of the ocean, the heart of stone, the voice of death, and even more hidden and elusive treasures: but the world's most precious gem! This surpasses my wildest imagination.
The stars had emerged in the sky. Dulfugar, calling upon God, rose and walked away. Hungry, thirsty, bare, exhausted, he traversed desolate lands and bustling cities. His soles were pierced by thorns, his body reduced to bones, yet he found no gem, no trace of the world's most precious treasure.
One day, wandering aimlessly, he stumbled upon a vast expanse where thousands of people were gathered. In the center, several grandly dressed, imposing qazis and officers were engaged in council. A gallows stood a short distance away. Delfugar hesitated, both from weakness and intrigue. He saw several soldiers with drawn swords, leading a prisoner with chained hands and feet. Approaching the gallows, the soldiers stopped, and the prisoner's chains were removed. The condemned man's robe was stained with the blood of countless innocents, and his heart seemed unacquainted with mercy. He was known as Kala Chor.
The soldiers led him to the gallows, the noose placed around his neck. The executioners prepared to pull the lever when the condemned man cried out, "In God's name, spare me for a moment, so I might fulfill my last wish." Silence descended upon the crowd. Curiosity filled everyone's eyes. The qazis deemed it inappropriate to deny a dying man's final request. The unfortunate Kala Chor was briefly lowered from the gallows.
Amidst the throng, a handsome, innocent boy, astride a stick, pranced about, as if a true equestrian, lost in a child's world of joy. His face glowed with genuine happiness, a momentary burst that one would never forget. His heart was still pure and untainted by the dirt and grime of sin. Innocence enveloped him.
The condemned man was released. Thousands of eyes were fixed on him. He approached the boy, lifted him into his arms, and embraced him. He was transported back to his childhood, the innocent days of laughter, happiness, and a pure spirit. His mother's gentle touch, his father's loving embrace, and the devotion of his family—all flooding his heart. A tear, a single drop, traced a path down the condemned man's cheek, though his eyes had witnessed countless deaths and tribulations. Dilfugar swiftly caught the precious tear.
Thus, in Dilfugar's heart, he found the most precious gem, exceeding the throne, the elixir, and the wealth, a precious essence. With his heart filled with joy and success, Dilfugar journeyed to his beloved Dilfarib's city of Minosabad. However, as he neared his destination, doubts crept into his heart: would my beloved appreciate this treasure as it deserves? Would I be condemned to the gallows and face an untimely death? Regardless, I have taken this chance. Finally, after traversing mountains and rivers, he reached Minosabad, and stood before Dilfarib's residence, humbly pleading.
(...continues with further details of the encounter with Dilfarib...)
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