The Ultimate Truth: A Drama

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During the reign of Akbar, there lived a poor fortune teller whose daily bread came from his roadside business of fortune telling. One day it so happened that:
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Astrologer: Any body want to know your future……anybody want to know what your fortune has in store for you…..

Rich man: Hey! Old man, come inside. Come and tell me what my fortune offers to me.

Astrologer: You have a dark future ahead…..

Rich man: What?

Astrologer: All your relatives including your son, your daughter-in-law, and your wife would die even before you pass away.  

Rich man: What rubbish? You shabby man! I will not pay you a penny for what you have said. Get out of my house……Get out.

Astrologer: But I only spoke the truth.

Rich man: Get out.

Astrologer: (To the audience) I spoke the truth but I was treated in such a manner. I can’t forgive that man. I will have justice. I will go to Birbal for justice.  

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The astrologer goes to Birbal and explains him all that has happened between him and the rich man. And then…..
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Birbal: O.K. I will help you get justice. Come and listen to my plan.

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Birbal sends the astrologer back to the city in a disguise so that no one could recognise him. He was soon famous for his power to interpret fortunes. One day the rich man also came to know about this man and he went to him and……
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Rich man: O great sir! I would be pleased to know my fortune from you. Would you please tell me what my future has in store for me?

Astrologer: Come, let me see. Your stars are looking bright. You would OUTLIVE all your relatives including your wife, your son, and your daughter-in-law. You are a lucky man and would live a long life.

Rich man: I believe you say the truth. I am glad to hear about my bright future. I would reward you handsomely for disclosing my bright future to me.

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The astrologer went back to Birbal and told him all that has happened between him and the rich man. He was happy but he seemed confused. Unable to resist, he went to Birbal and ……
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Astrologer: Sir, I am very thankful to you for giving me justice, but I am afraid to ask you that --- what the logic was (motto) behind your plan?

Birbal: (smiling) You are really a simple man. This is the ultimate truth of life that I am going to tell you today. Always remember this:

“JUST SAYING A TRUTH IN A PLAIN AND STRAIGHT FORWARD MANNER WILL NOT NECESSARILY FETCH YOU REWARDS, BUT SAYING THAT SAME TRUTH IN A MORE GENTLE MANNER AND ADDING A LITTLE BUTTER TO IT, SO THAT THE LISTNER WOULD ENJOY WHAT YOU SAY, EVEN IF THE TRUTH BE BITTER AND HARSH, WILL GUARANTEE A REWARD TO YOU WITH LOTS OF PRAISES.”