A few days ago, something unusual happened at my house. My servant came running and said:
“Sir, a few guests have arrived from your in-laws’ side. They say they need some things for a wedding at your home.”
I hurried outside. Indeed, some of my in-laws had arrived, and one of them told me:
“Brother, we came in such a rush that we forgot to bring a few important items. Could you please arrange two hundred rupees so that we can buy what we need from the market?”
I agreed and went to fetch the two hundred rupees. On my way to the shop, I met a close friend who also decided to come along. When we reached the marketplace, we saw a large crowd gathered around a man. That man claimed to be a magician who could double anyone’s money instantly.
Curious, we stopped to watch. The magician asked a person from the crowd to hand over his money. That man gave him two hundred rupees, and in front of everyone, the magician magically turned it into four hundred. Another person handed him five hundred, and the magician turned it into a thousand. People were stunned and amazed.
My friend nudged me and whispered, “Why don’t you try it? Give him the two hundred rupees. At least you’ll return with four hundred instead of two.”
I was hesitant, but the excitement of the crowd and the greed in my heart pushed me forward. I thought to myself: “If this is real, why not double my money?” I handed over the two hundred rupees meant for my guests to the magician. He smiled, took the money, placed it in a special box, locked it, and said:
“Everyone, close your eyes. When you open them, this man will have double the amount he gave.”
The crowd obeyed. I too closed my eyes with great anticipation. But when we opened them, the magician had vanished into thin air — along with my two hundred rupees!
The Embarrassment
My heart sank. I realized I had been fooled by my own greed. Instead of bringing the two hundred rupees for my in-laws, I had lost everything. On my way back home, I kept thinking: “What will I tell my guests? How will I face them?”
When I entered the house, everyone was waiting. My father-in-law looked at me and asked:
“Son, did you bring the money?”
Ashamed and frightened, I stood there quietly. I could not speak. Then, filled with anger, my father-in-law said:
“A man who cannot protect two hundred rupees cannot protect my daughter either. This marriage is no longer acceptable.”
And just like that, the relationship broke.
The Moral
This story is a reminder that greed blinds us. A moment of temptation, a small desire for “more,” can cost us everything — money, respect, and even relationships.
If I had simply done what was required — taken the two hundred rupees to my guests — I would have saved myself from disgrace. But greed led me to betrayal and loss.
The truth is, greed never multiplies what we have. Instead, it takes away even the little that we do possess.
✨ Lesson: Be content with what you have. Greed will only lead to regret.
