Vardaan 1...The Ultimate Boon

Chapter 19: Private Results of Private Examinations (Part 2)

Everyone realized his helplessness.

"It's ok, I forgive you, at least give me the food made by my sister-in-law," Rasik said staring at Batuk's bale.

"Oh, I forgot to bring that," Batuk said while trying to hide the bale.

"Liar..." Dev said, reading his body language.

"The one who stole food in Gurukul for so many years did not bring food today, this thing is not digestible," Jagdeesh said.

He held his hands and Rasik snatched the bale. Batuk kept stopping but Rasik took out his food. With great desires, when he opened a small bundle containing food, only Roti and Jaggery came out of it.

Rasik had Roti and Jaggery in his hand and the dishes brought by all three in front of him. Everyone was very surprised because they used to eat better food than that in Gurukul.

Of course, dishes were not available in Gurukul, but whatever was available was of good quality and tasty.

All three didn't say anything to Batuk and kept the respect of Batuk and ate Jaggery and Roti with gusto. Of course, those were also delicious but only Jaggery and Roti, that thing was troubling everyone.

On the other hand, Batuk had not made eye contact with anyone since the opening of the bale. The friends could not even understand why Batuk was not enjoying the dishes brought by them. They wanted to ask but would have asked only when he looked at them.

Everyone finished their food in uncomfortable circumstances and sat down to talk.

When Batuk was not taking interest even in the conversation, Dev could not resist.

"Batuk, I am not trying to embarrass you, but your condition is not well. We are close friends if you need some help..."

"...You too have been tricked, haven't you? Actually, I tell you what happened. I met a poor man while coming on the way. My conscience ached to see his pitiable condition and hear his sad story. I didn't bring much money, so I gave him my clothes, expensive shoes, and food as much as I had. He was injured, so I also gave my horse to him. I don't know why I did this, but I felt very good doing it. No matter how much money I have, I cannot buy such a feeling...maybe that's why..." Batuk interrupted Dev with these words.

"Oh wow, friend! You have shown that you are not only rich in money but also have ultimate richness in your conscience." Jagdeesh said proud of his friend.

"I thought that I was last in the exam, yet I am earning well, how can a person become poor, who got first place in the exam?" Rasik said.

"Rest everything is fine friend, but at least now keep your appearance clean, now you are married... look at the condition of your beard," Jagdeesh said.

At the behest of Jagdeesh, Batuk remembered his growing beard.

"Brother, I am not bothered by it, because he was always like this and I think he will remain the same even after becoming the richest man in the world." Rasik said making fun of Batuk.

Hearing so everyone started laughing except Dev.

Everyone was satisfied except Dev. Batuk knew that, perhaps that's why he did not make eye contact with Dev.

In the evening, everyone noticed that they had not made any arrangements for lighting the night. So they had to go to sleep shortly after sunset.

Don't know why Batuk could not sleep. He could see his farm from time to time. The barrenness of his farm was troubling him. In fact, he had no problem with the greenery of friends' fields. Even though the Gurukul had left, still the friendship in the cores remained the same. That's why Batuk felt good that his friends' fields were fertile. He just didn't like his desolate farm.

Tensed, Batuk got up and closed the door. When he came and lay down, he could not see anything. He felt relieved and was about to close his eyes to sleep when a gust of wind opened the door a little. Batuk started seeing his barren field again. It seemed as if the farm wanted to show its misery to Batuk.

Batuk could not sleep after that. Through the slightly open door, he could see his barren field all night.

The wind continued to blow very slowly throughout the night. The wind shook the plants and the crops collided with each other. Normally it is not heard, but all night Batuk could hear the melodious music produced by the clashing of crops.

First, it was music, second, it was melodious music, and third, it was the music of grain growing in fertile land... Still, it was troubling Batuk, because that music was mocking the barrenness of his field.

It was a tough night for Batuk.

When morning came, Rasik-Jagdeesh started laughing and joking while refreshing the memories of Gurukul. Both of them were unaware of Batuk's state of mind. Dev was also supporting them and was also keeping an eye on Batuk.

Dev knew very well how a rich person looks when he wears simple clothes and how a poor person looks when he wears simple clothes. He did not know the truth of Batuk, but he had come to know the lie of Batuk.

Batuk's stiff feet were telling that they were not the feet of a horseman.

Remembering the old days, Rasik cooked food again on the mound. Even after years, Rasik was perfect at cooking. He kept saying he had cooked the food after a long time but the three friends did not agree.

Jagdeesh-Dev was really enjoying the food, but Batuk was only faking it. It was not that he did not like the food cooked by Rasik. Due to his bad mood, he was unable to enjoy the delicious food lovingly prepared by his dear friend.

Dev was able to understand very well that Batuk was not able to enjoy the food and the company of old friends even if he wanted to.