Short Story: The Peepal Tree and the Suicidal Boy

He had failed his 12th-grade exams once again.

“A boy who can’t even pass his 12th—what’s he going to do in life? How long are we supposed to feed you for free? Whether you live or die, it’s all the same to us!”

His father’s harsh words kept piercing his heart. Thoughts swirled in his mind—I can’t even pass a simple exam. My life is useless. If I die, at least there will be one less mouth to feed at home.

He decided to end his life.

Near the village was a cliff where prisoners were once executed by being pushed off. When he reached the edge, he looked down to make sure a jump from there would be fatal. But what was this? Just below the cliff, between two cracks in the rocks, a small peepal tree was growing.

Its roots clung tightly to the stones, anchoring themselves without soil or water. Yet, the tree stood tall and swayed gracefully in the wind, defying gravity.

What if I jump and get caught in the branches of this tree? he wondered. But then another thought struck him—There’s no soil here, no water, just a crack between rocks—and yet this tree survives. It never complained about not having enough support and never gave up on life. It found its way even in the harshest conditions.

I have a roof over my head and food to eat. Am I really thinking of dying just because I failed an exam?

He realized that like the peepal tree, he too would surely find a way to live and thrive. Pushing away thoughts of suicide, he returned home, ready to start life afresh with new determination and hope.

The Fragrance of a Moment

He stood waiting for the bus. Beside him stood her—hair adorned with a garland of blooming jasmine. A gentle drizzle had begun, the kind that softens the world into memory.
 
Suddenly—CRACK- lightning split the sky.

“*Aai ga!” she gasped, instinctively clutching his arm.
Just for a moment.
 
“Sorry!” she whispered, retreating as quickly as she had leaned in. Her bus arrived. She cast a single glance his way, then stepped aboard.
 
He stood frozen, eyes locked on her silhouette as it disappeared into the rain.

She was gone— But she had taken his heart with her. She left behind the warmth of her touch, the scent of her skin, And the lingering perfume of jasmine. The hands of his life’s clock stopped right there.
 
Even today, when thunder rumbles and the monsoon clouds gather,
At that same bus stop,

You’ll find an old man— Still waiting.

Still holding a jasmine garland in his hand.
 ...

“*Aai ga!” Oh! Mother

Purpose of life: The Endless Journey

He walked on, lost in his own trance—forgetting thirst, hunger, and sleep. Many travellers crossed his path, yet he chose not to walk with any of them. He didn’t pause for even a moment’s rest. Alone, he marched on with unwavering resolve, along the endless road.

Eventually, the sun did set. His limbs grew weary, his eyes heavy. He could walk no further. He asked himself, “I’ve been walking since morning, yet why haven’t I reached my destination? Did I make a mistake?” For a fleeting moment, he opened his eyes. The entire creation was bathed in golden light—the eternal celebration of sunset, ongoing since time immemorial.
 
As he drew his final breath, he understood: to walk the endless road, scattering golden hues of joy—that itself is the purpose of life.
 

Snakebite - Two Short Stories

 

First Story:

The king’s soldiers captured a venomous serpent that had taken the lives of many citizens in the kingdom. The soldiers asked for the king’s command:

"Maharaj, what should be done with this venomous serpent?"

The king promptly ordered, "There is no need to think—crush it to death!"

Without delay, the soldiers killed the serpent.

Second Story:

The king’s soldiers captured a venomous serpent that had been responsible for the deaths of many citizens. They awaited the king’s command:

"Maharaj, what should be done with this venomous serpent?"

Instead of making a hasty decision, the king sought advice from his ministers.

First Minister’s Advice:

"Maharaj, without any second thoughts, this venomous serpent must be killed. If it is released, it will bite again and endanger the lives of more citizens. If left alive, more serpents from the nearby jungle will invade the city and threaten the people."

Second Minister’s Advice:

"Maharaj, we must also consider the serpent’s side. A serpent is venomous by nature, and its bite is deadly. However, we are civilized humans. 'An eye for an eye' is not our principle. Whether it is a citizen or a serpent, both deserve justice. Taking its life without deeper thought would be unfair."

The king found the second minister’s reasoning convincing and decided to consult a committee of esteemed citizens. The committee consisted of highly intelligent, progressive, and multi-talented individuals.

The committee of esteemed citizens advised the king:

"Maharaj, a serpent is venomous by nature, and biting is its instinct. It bit people simply because of its nature, not out of malice. Since its bite is poisonous, people died, but how can the serpent be blamed for that? Sentencing it to death would be unjust. Instead of killing the serpent, we recommend keeping it in a golden cage and offering it milk as an offering every Nag Panchami. This way, it will not escape or pose a threat."

The king agreed with the committee’s advice and spared the serpent’s life. He had the serpent placed in a golden cage and began offering it milk every year on Nag Panchami.

However, one Nag Panchami, while the king was offering milk to the serpent, it bit him, and the king died from the venom.

he Question:

Who was responsible for the king’s death?

Was it the serpent or the committee of esteemed citizens?

The sage Swami Trikaldarshi said:

"Whoever can answer this question correctly will never die from a serpent's bite."