The Greedy Neighbor
Intermediate · ≈ 5 min story · 3 min read
A greedy woman steals and eats her neighbor's hen, and there is no witness and no proof. Maryada Rama cannot judge on suspicion alone, so he sets a gentle trap with an imaginary feather, and lets a guilty conscience give itself away.
Once upon a time, in a peaceful little village, there lived two neighbors.
One was kind, honest, and hardworking. She owned a cheerful little hen who wandered around the village every day, pecking at grains and clucking happily.
One afternoon, while searching for food, the little hen wandered into the neighbor's yard.
Now, that neighbor was very greedy. The moment she saw the healthy, plump hen, her eyes sparkled.
"What a wonderful surprise," she whispered to herself. "Tonight I will enjoy a delicious feast, without spending a single coin."
She quickly caught the hen, took it inside, and secretly cooked it for her supper.
By evening, the little hen still had not come home. Its owner searched everywhere.
"Clucky! Clucky! Where are you?"
But there was no answer.
Finally, she went to her neighbor's house.
"Have you seen my hen? I saw her come into your yard this afternoon."
The greedy woman folded her arms.
"I don't know what you're talking about. I have never seen your hen. You must be mistaken."
The poor woman knew something was wrong. But she had no proof.
So she went to seek justice from the wise judge, Maryada Rama.
Standing before the court, she explained everything. Maryada Rama listened carefully.
"Do you have any witness?" he asked.
The woman lowered her head. "No, Your Honor. I only saw my hen enter her house."
Maryada Rama called the neighbor to the court. She walked in confidently.
"I am completely innocent. You may even search my house. You will find nothing."
Maryada Rama quietly observed her face. Something did not feel right.
He believed the poor woman. But justice could never rest on suspicion alone. Without evidence, he could not declare anyone guilty.
After thinking for a moment, he said, "Return home today. I shall announce my decision tomorrow."
The two women bowed and turned to leave.
Just then, Maryada Rama spoke, loudly enough for everyone to hear.
"Oh my! What an unusual sight. The woman who stole the hen still has one of its feathers stuck in her hair!"
The entire courtroom turned to look.
Without thinking, the greedy woman raised her hand and touched her hair, trying to brush away the feather.
The courtroom fell silent.
Maryada Rama smiled gently.
"There was never a feather in your hair. If you were truly innocent, you would never have touched your head. Your own fear has revealed the truth."
The greedy woman's face turned pale. She dropped to her knees.
"I am sorry. I could not resist the temptation. I stole the hen and I ate it. Please forgive me."
"Admitting your mistake is the first step," said Maryada Rama. "But every wrong action must also face its consequence."
He ordered her to pay the owner the full value of the stolen hen, along with a fine for lying before the court.
The honest woman finally received justice. She returned home with a peaceful heart.
And from that day on, everyone in the village remembered an important lesson.
A guilty heart often reveals itself before anyone else can. The truth may hide for a while, but it always finds its way into the light.
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