16. Breaking the Bond

One day, Akbar's son Prince Salim went out for hunting. He lost his way in the jungle. A boy of his age was returning home after spending the day in jungle. Salim saw the boy and asked for help.

The boy told Salim, 'Friend, the way to the main city is not safe. I suggest that you stay at my home and leave tomorrow for your home. Salim agreed. On the way back to home, Salim and the boy kept talking amicably to each other. Salim came to know that the boy's name is Haricharan and his father was a well off trader in the town. He completed his studies at the local university and after which he helped his father in his business. Salim told Haricharan about himself. They soon became very comfortable with other.

Back home, Salim was warmly welcomed by Haricharan's family. His mother served them good food and desserts. Next day, Salim left for the capital city of Fathehpurskiri. Haricharan accompanied him. On reaching the city, Salim took Haricharan to palace. He was very lavishly served the food. Salim's father, Akbar met and rewarded Haricharan. He thanked him for helping and taking care of Salim. Late in the evening, Haricharan left.

Few days passed, Salim felt lonely and deserted. So he decided to visit Haricharan's home.

Haricharan was very happy to see Salim. They spend the whole day together. While Salim missed his artillery practice, Haricharan did not go to his father's shop. Salim left in the evening. A day passed and Haricharan thought of visiting Salim. He went to see Salim, ignoring his father's message to oversee mercantile logistics. The father was greatly troubled as it affected the business adversely.

Salim and Haricharan talked about various matters. They went for hunting, then fished in the village side river. They played game of dice for long hours.

Soon, Haricharan's father noted his negligence towards business. He was worried that his son was on an unjustified way. He thought deeply and then decided to approach Birbal to seek a solution to his problem.

The merchant said, 'Birbal, good friends are a boon. A good friendship brings merit to both friends. But see how Salim and Haricharan are engrossed. I have noted that my son has been ignoring his responsibilities. I am not against their friendship, but one should not forget his life for friendship'.

Birbal nodded in agreement. He understood the merchant's intentions. But he insisted that the merchant be more clear with his words. So he asked the merchant, 'Friends, it would be great if you can be clear'.

The merchant though hesitant as Birbal was very close to Akbar; came out boldly and said, 'Birbal, my son and Prince Salim have become intimate friends. This nay be immaterial for the Prince as he would inherit all material merits from his father. He is by his birth right destined to become the ruler of India. But, my son cannot afford to spend time by hunting, fishing, dicing or other leisure tasks. It is compulsive that he responsibly sees my day to day business to gain adequate working knowledge. If he continues to lapse this, he would surely suffer later'.

Birbal nodded in affirmation and said, 'Indeed, what you said is true. Your son should put his time and attention for trade merits'. Saying this Birbal bid bye to the merchant.

Next day, when Akbar went for a walk in his royal garden, he was joined by Birbal. Birbal said, 'My Majesty, yesterday I met Haricharan's father. Though his father has a good business, his family is indeed noble'.

Akbar nodded, but said, 'Birbal, in fact Haricharan is noble too. He has no bad indulgences. But I am particularly concerned about the intimacy in their friendship - since the time they have got into this bond,  Salim has been leisure seeking. He misses his lessons and rarely comes to court. I am concerned about his absence from the court. I have learned that he has been missing his artillery classes. It is important that Salim takes these seriously, to enable his succession and sustenance as the next emperor of this vast kingdom'.

Birbal replied, 'My Majesty, you indeed right. Then what should we do about this situation? Should you permit me to end their bond of friendship-?'

Akbar patted Birbal's back and said, 'It is indeed rare to find a good friend. I appreciate their companionship and do not intend to ruin their relation, but for now it would be preferable to break their friendship for their own good'.

Birbal nodded in consent. He assured the king that soon Salim and Haricharan would refuse to see each other’s face.

The same evening Birbal called Salim and Haricharan. He talked to them pleasingly for quite sometime. They both became comfortable with him. After sometime, Birbal suddenly stood up and went outside. He called Haricharan and said, ‘Haricharan, leave Salim there and come here quickly. I have something important to talk to you’.

Haricharan simply got up and went outside. Birbal whispered some meaningless words in his ears and left before Haricharan could ask him. Birbal walked ahead hastily. He turned while walking ahead and cried loudly enough to be heard by Salim, ‘Careful! Don’t tell this to anyone!’

Haricharan looked confused. He went towards Salim who asked him, ‘Friend, what is it? What was Birbal saying so secretively?’

Haricharan said, ‘I did not understand a word of what he said’.

Salim smiled and said, ‘I know he asked you to keep his words as a secret. But I am your trustworthy friend. You can tell me about it for sure’.

But Haricharan gazed Salim helplessly. He said, ‘Salim, I did not understand a word of what Birbal whispered. He left me unexplained about what he meant to convey. I am not containing any information. I have nothing to hide from you. Believe me my friend’.

But Salim got angry. He yelled, ‘You are lying to me in name of our friendship! You do not trust me and you ask me believe you! It hurts me to say that you are my friend. I never expected this from you’.

Salim left the room fuming with rage.

Haricharan was also filled with anger to hear such words from Salim. He left the palace and went to father.

Soon Akbar got the news about the brawl between Salim and Haricharan. He was pleased to hear that and his happiness elated when he Salim coming to him after so many months.

Later Akbar asked Birbal, ‘What did you say to Haricharan?’

Birbal whispered those meaningless words in Akbar’s ear. Akbar laughed out loudly and thanked Birbal for easy resolution he found to a matter which had both personal and stately importance.