The Richest
Man

A rich landowner named Bharat often rode around his vast estate to survey his great wealth. One day, while doing the rounds, he saw Ramu, an old tenant farmer. Ramu was sitting under a tree when Bharat rode by on his favourite horse. Ramu said, “I was just thanking God for my food.”

Bharat protested, “If that is all I had to eat, I wouldn’t feel like giving thanks.” Ramu replied, “God has given me everything I need, and I am thankful for it.”

The old farmer added, “It is strange you should come by today because I had a dream last night. In my dreams a voice told me, ‘The richest man in the valley will die tonight.’ I don’t know what it means, but I thought I ought to tell you.”

Bharat snorted, “Dreams are nonsense,” and galloped away, but he could not forget Ramu’s words: “The richest man in the valley will die tonight.”

He was obviously the richest man in the valley, so he invited his doctor to his house that evening. Bharat told the doctor what Ramu had said. After a thorough examination, the doctor told the wealthy landowner, “Bharat, you are as strong and healthy as a horse.
There is no way you are going to die tonight.”

Nevertheless, for reassurance, the doctor stayed with Bharat, and they played cards through the night. The doctor left the next morning and Bharat apologised for becoming so upset over the old man’s dream.

At about nine o’clock, a messenger arrived at Bharat’s door. “What is it?” Bharat demanded.

The messenger explained, “It’s about old Ramu. He died last night in his sleep.”

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