Seth Manohar Das, a renowned businessman in Delhi, had built a vast empire through hard work and acumen. His factory employed thousands, and his home overflowed with luxury. Yet, his life carried an unspoken void—the death of his wife many years ago. His only son, Dushyant, was sent to England for his education, hoping he would become equally astute and capable.
Last Words
Time waits for no one. Suddenly, Seth Manohar Das fell gravely ill. Doctors declared his condition hopeless. He immediately summoned his most trusted friend, Jankidas.
"Friend, my time is ending," Manohar Das whispered weakly.
"Don't say that, you'll get better!" Jankidas reassured him.
"No, I have only one last wish. Bring my son back, somehow. I want to see him one last time and impart my final wisdom."
Dushyant arrived soon. As he held his father's hand, a sense of peace settled over Manohar Das's eyes.
"Son, I want to teach you three things; remember them always," he said in a trembling voice.
Never pity the poor.
Never befriend the rich.
Never go out of the house in the dark.
With these words, he breathed his last. Grief enveloped the household.
The First Lesson's Misinterpretation
Time passed, and Jankidas did his best to support Dushyant. He tutored him in business, and soon Dushyant took over the reins. Diwali approached, and as always, the factory workers expected their bonus. But Dushyant remembered his father's words—never pity the poor.
"If I give them a bonus, it would be an act of pity," he reasoned.
He refused to pay the bonus. The workers felt the new owner was cruel. Their work slowed, and production gradually declined.
The Second Lesson's Wrong Meaning
A few months later, a group of businessmen visited Dushyant. They had been business partners with his father. But Dushyant recalled his father's second lesson—never befriend the rich.
"Papa said to stay away from rich people, they exploit you," he thought, and dismissed the businessmen with disdain.
Consequently, large orders were cancelled, and the business began to falter.
The Impact of the Third Lesson
The business was now losing money. Dushyant was constantly attending meetings and traveling for work. But he remembered his father's third lesson—never go out of the house in the dark.
Therefore, he only made business trips during the day and returned home by evening. He missed several lucrative deals that were finalized at night. Gradually, the business deteriorated.
The Light of Truth
Dushyant was now panicked. He called Jankidas and explained his plight.
"Uncle, I followed my father's advice, yet everything is collapsing."
Jankidas smiled and said, "Son, you misunderstood the words, you focused only on the literal meaning. Let me explain their true essence."
He took him to a street where some poor people were sitting. Nearby, a man was selling samosas.
"If you buy and give these poor people samosas, they will come begging every day. But if you teach them to make samosas, they can earn their living honestly. Your father meant to give the poor not pity, but opportunity."
Dushyant finally understood the true meaning of the first lesson.
The Secret of the Second Lesson
"Now understand the second lesson," Jankidas said.
"Your father meant to conduct business, but maintain your privacy. Don't make enemies of businessmen, but don't get so close that they learn your strategies."
Dushyant now realized his mistake.
The Truth Behind the Third Lesson
"And the third point," Jankidas continued, "your father meant don't go out in the dark, meaning allocate time for family and health. If you are engrossed in business every night, you will alienate your loved ones and become easy prey for your enemies."
Dushyant finally understood the true meaning of his father's wisdom.
A New Beginning
From the next day, Dushyant started making sound business decisions. He gave bonuses to the workers, motivating them to work diligently. He maintained a balance with other businessmen, and gradually, the business flourished again. In a short time, Dushyant became not only a successful businessman but also a good human being.
Lesson: Follow the true meaning of words, not just the literal, for only then will you achieve both success and happiness.
