Showing his True Colours

Kishan was an honest and hardworking man, who spent the whole day toiling in his field to get a good harvest. He had a simple lifestyle and little desires. All his efforts were aimed at giving his beloved daughter, Garima, a happy and contented life.

One dark and stormy night, he heard someone knocking loudly at the door of his hut. Kishan went and opened the door, even though his wife protested against doing so. He saw a young merchant at the door who had lost his way and needed shelter for the night. Kishan was too kind to refuse help to the man in need. He took good care of him, gave him the best dinner he could and provided him with a comfortable place to sleep.

“You are making a mistake. These young merchants are not trustworthy. What if he robs us?” His wife said, with both irritation and fear evident in her voice. “Don’t worry. It is our duty to help someone in distress. And even if he decides to rob us, he wouldn’t have much to take away.” Kishan chuckled, with a pleasant smile on his face. His wife just sighed and went to bed.

The next morning, Kishan was woken up by the loud wails of his wife. His wife’s state worried him and he asked her the reason for the same. “Garima is not here. She is no where in the house. That… That merchant has taken her away. He has shown his true colours. Oh, my daughter! My daughter has been kidnapped…” She explained while crying. For a moment, Kishan was too shocked to even respond. Then, regaining his senses, he promised his wife that he would bring their daughter back.

He ran around the neighbourhood, calling out Garima’s name and asked people if they had seen her. He looked for her at every possible place and left no stone unturned to trace his daughter. But all his efforts went in vain. Dejected, he sat down in front of his hut. Tears streamed down his face and he felt unbearable guilt.

Just then, he heard the melodious voice of his beloved daughter. “Papa, Papa… I’m here.”

Kishan couldn’t believe his eyes. Coming towards him was Garima, along with the merchant who had stayed at his home the night before. Garima walked towards Kishan, and hugged him. The merchant smiled at the sight and said, “I woke up only to see that your daughter had been bit by a snake. I had to rush her to the nearest doctor. I know I should have informed you, but I did not want to delay her treatment. She is alright now.”

Kishan was speechless, and his wife equally shocked. He looked at her with a smile on his face, and she encouragingly nodded at him. Kishan stood up and hugged the merchant, gratitude clearly visible in his eyes.