Nothing
A Nasiruddin Hodja Story

Once in a town’s market, there was a man who was trying to lift a sack onto his back. There came a stranger and he asked the man “Do you need any help?”

The man replied “NO!”. But the stranger was persistent. He still asked the man “What will you give me if I help you?” Now, the man was angry. He replied angrily “Nothing!”

But, the stranger sneaked behind the man and helped the man lift the sack. After the sack was lifted the stranger asked the man for his reward “Now give me my reward.”

The man was very surprised. He said” What reward? I said I would give you nothing.”

“So, give it to me. Give me nothing,” replied the stranger slyly.

Now, the man was more confused. He exclaimed “How can anyone give ‘Nothing’? ” But the stranger was still persistent. He said “Then why did you promise it to me?” And they started arguing.

Soon a large crowd collected around the two men. Hearing their argument the crowd started arguing themselves. This continued for sometime. Then, one old man said “Friends! the only one who could settle this matter is Nasiruddin Hodja.”

Everyone agreed and decided to go Hodja’s place.

After reaching, the two men put their case before Nasiruddin Hodja. The stranger said “The man promised me ‘Nothing’. I want it.”

Hearing this Hodja thought for few moments and replied “And you shall have it.”

He then asked the stranger “Will you lift the corner of that rug?” The stranger went up to the corner and lifted the rug.

Seeing this Hodja asked him “Now what do you see under it?”

The stranger replied all confused “Nothing!”

“Well take that ‘Nothing’ and go away,” replied Hodja smilingly.

Everyone present there started laughing and the stranger was all embarassed.

The End