Patience

Once upon a time there was a King. He was in need of a personal attendant. But, he needed his attendant with some special qualities. So, the King decided that he will put up a quest for the applicants which will make it easier for him to choose. After finalizing, the King ordered his minister to make the announcement.

The next day, at the center of the town, the announcement was made “Hear! Hear! Citizens of the kingdom. All those who wish to work for the King may assemble in the palace courtyard tomorrow morning.”

The next day many young men assembled in the palace courtyard. Soon, the King came out and said to all who were assembled there “Young men, before I appoint anyone, I wish to give you a simple test. See here is a pot with a hole in it. And here is the water tank. Anyone who succeeds in filling the pot with water will become my attendant.”

Everyone assembled were confused. They started grumbling. “Oh! that is impossible. I cannot do it. In fact no one can do it.” Everyone started leaving disappointed except two friends, Ram and Balaram.

“We agree to fill up the pot, Your Majesty” said the friends.

“Very well! You can start right away then ” said the King.

The friends, Ram and Balaram, set to work. They started to fill the pot with the water from the tank. But, as soon as the water level reached the hole, the water poured out of it.

A few hours later working Balaram said tiredly “Ram! I think this is a worthless exercise. Maybe, the King is just fooling us. I am quitting.” Ram replied “You do as you please. I am not going to give up.”

Balaram left dejected. Ram continued to work thinking “The King must have given this task with some intention. Let me not give up so early.” And he continued.

After few hours of working diligently, the water in the tank finished. Ram saw a shining object at the bottom of the tank. He picked the object up and found that it was a diamond ring. “It must belong to the King,” thought Ram. He went to the King and showed him the ring and said “Your Majesty, here is the ring you wanted us to find.”

The King was very happy seeing the ring. He said “No! No! young man. I wanted to find out who amongst you was the patient. As you completed the task, you can keep the ring as your reward. I also appoint you as my personal attendant.”

“Thank you! Your Majesty. I shall serve you most patiently,” replied Ram feeling happy and grateful.

The End