Once upon a time, there lived a wealthy merchant called Ramu. Unfortunately, his village had a massive famine, and he suffered a massive loss in his business. He became penniless. All he had left was a heavy iron balance that was his family heirloom.

He went to his close friend Shyam. “Dear friend, as you know, I have no money now due to business losses. I am planning to go to the city to try and earn money. Can you keep this Iron balance with you until I return?”

Shyam answered, “Sure. I will keep your item safe until you return. Good luck, my dear friend. Hope you will get back what you lost.”

Saying goodbye, Ramu left for the city. He worked very hard there, and luckily for him, he became rich once again after a few years. Finally, he had earned enough to go back to his village.

After returning to his village, Ramu went to Shyam to get back his Iron balance. But Shyam did not want to give the Iron balance to Ramu. So, he refused, saying, “I am very sorry, Ramu. I had kept your Iron balance safely with me. Unfortunately, there was a big rat infestation in my house, and they ate your Iron balance. “

Ramu knew what was happening. “He has become greedy and does not want to part with his treasure. I know what to do,” he thought.

“That is alright, Shyam. I am sad, but I know you could not have done anything. Anyway, my wife has made some special sweets today. Can I take your son with me to send you back some of those sweets?”

Happy that his friend believed him, Shyam agreed to send his son.

After many hours, when his son did not return to him, Shyam went to Ramu’s house and asked, “Where is my son?”

To this, Ramu replied, “I am so sorry. When I was bringing your son to my place, an eagle swooped down and grabbed him. He then flew away with your son, and I could not do anything.

Shyam got angry and started shouting at Ramu. Soon they went to the Judge.

The Judge asked Ramu to return Shyam’s son, to which Ramu said, “But your honor, how can I? An eagle had taken away Shyam’s son.”

The Judge replied, “You are lying. How can an eagle lift a boy?”

Ramu answered, “Your honor, if mice can eat the iron balance, then the eagle can carry a small boy.”

He then went on to narrate the entire story to the Judge. When the Judge heard the full story, he immediately realized what had happened.

“Ramu, return back, Shyam’s son to him. Shyam, return Ramu’s iron balance immediately. And in future, do not cheat anyone like this,” warned the Judge to Shyam.

Shyam realized his mistake and apologized to his friend. He then gave the Iron balance back and got back his son.

Author’s Note:

All Panchatantra Stories have Morals associated with them.

This story teaches us about the value of friendship, loyalty and being truthful. For an iron balance, Shyam lied and cheated his friend thereby ruining their friendship.