A Lesson For The Son
Long long ago, when Puri was the capital of Kalinga, there lived in the city a prosperous merchant named Virbhadra. He had lost his wife quite early in life. However, he had a son named Subahu, his only child. Virbhadra was not only an honest and intelligent trader but also a wise man. All the merchants of the city respected him and considered him their doyen. Those were the days when the merchants of Kalinga launched voyages to distant lands for commerce. Virbhadra too had to go out once every two years. During his absence from home, his young son fell into evil company. At first, Virbhadra did not know about his son's fall. When he came to know about it, it had been too late. Subahu had taken to gambling and other vices that went with it. His companions exploited him through flattery. He was too naive to understand their trick. When Virbhadra was absent, the key of his treasury remained with Subahu. Upon his return, he would see his cash considerably reduced. From his servants and his neighbors, he got an account of his son's conduct in the company of other youths. Virbhadra was worried. He called his son to his side and asked him to be aware of his company.
"Father, my friends are just wonderful. They will do anything for me," replied Subahu. Virbhadra tried in various ways to get his son rid of his bad habits but failed. Subahu would promise that he would stop indulging in gambling and all that, but he would go on doing as of old hiding from his father. One day Virbhadra told Subahu, "My son, I am going to the island of Java. This time I am taking a big chance. I am making an investment of all my resources. I am also borrowing a lot of money from my friends. "That is all right. But you must leave sufficient money at home for me to spend during your absence," pleaded Subahu. "I can't. However, whatever money you need will be provided to you by my merchant friends, on loan. You can approach any of them. None would refuse to oblige you," said Virbhadra. Subahu knew too well that what his father said was true. As soon as Virbhadra left home, he went to the merchant who lived nearest and borrowed five hundred coins. He spent it in the company of his friends in no time. His friends mad his house their camp and Subahu entertained them lavishly. A week later Subahu approached another merchant and borrowed another five hundred coins from him. This too was spent before long. He was thinking from whom to borrow next when two mariners came running to him and told him that his father's ship had been wrecked and all but the two of them had been drowned. "What about my father?" cried out Subahu. The mariners kept quiet and wiped their eyes.