The Merchant’s Son and His Wife
In a busy town lived a merchant’s son named Dharmapala. He had recently married a gentle and kind woman named Madhavi. They loved each other dearly, but since Dharmapala often traveled for business, Madhavi sometimes felt lonely.
One day, Madhavi saw a group of women from the neighborhood laughing together. She wished to join them but thought to herself, “What if they don’t like me? I am new here.”
That evening she told her husband, “Dharmapala, I feel shy here. I don’t know how to make good friends.”
Smiling, Dharmapala replied, “Madhavi, kindness always wins hearts. But remember this—true friends guide us to the right path, while false ones lead us astray. Choose wisely.”
Encouraged, Madhavi joined the women the next day. At first, they welcomed her warmly. But among them was a woman named Karkasha, who often gave mischievous advice.
One afternoon, Karkasha whispered, “Why do you sit at home while your husband travels? Let’s go enjoy ourselves in secret!”
Madhavi frowned. She remembered Dharmapala’s words and said firmly, “A true friend never encourages wrong deeds. My husband trusts me, and I will never break that trust.”
Karkasha laughed mockingly, but the other women admired Madhavi’s honesty. Soon, they respected her even more.
When Dharmapala returned from his journey, Madhavi told him everything. He held her hands and said with pride, “Madhavi, your wisdom and loyalty are greater than gold. This is what makes a marriage strong.”
From that day on, Madhavi was loved by everyone in the town. She lived happily, surrounded by trust and true friendship.