5. The Hidden Diamonds

Once there lived a old man named Dinanath in a village. He was widely respected and trusted by the villagers.

One year, after the harvest a farmer named Raga came to Dinanath and said, "Dinanathji! The harvest is ready and tommorow I am leaving the village to sell the harvest in the city auction market".

"May you get the best of all for your hard work", Dinanath said.

Raga gratified Dinanath and said, " Dinanathji, I have some valuable which I cannot leave in the unguarded house. I request you to take care of these and I shall take them back once I return from the city".

Raga handed over a pouch of diamonds to Dinanath who assured Raga not to worry about them.

Next day, Raga started for the city on his loaded bullock cart.

Days passed by and Raga returned to the village after earning a good sum for the harvest.

That night, Dinanath came to Raga's home to ask about his well being. "How was the trip? Did you get the price you expected?"

Raga happily replied, "Dinanathji, this time the trip was good. The road to city has been reconstructed and it was convinient to commute. The auction market had less arrivals, so I received much above my expected price. I have bought seeds for the next cycle too".

Dinanath appeared to assuring and happy. After some time he returned home.

Next morning, Raga went to Dinanath asking for the pouch of diamonds. Much to his amazement and anguish, Dinanath said, "I came last night to your home and returned those diamonds to you.

Everyone around knows that I can to your house", Dinanath retaliated raising his  stick in the air.

Raga denied having received back the diamonds and a terrible fight broke between them. The villagers gathered around them and after long argument, one of them suggested that they should see Tenali to seek justice.

Dinanath, Raga and other villagers made their way to Tenali's home. The matter was presented to Tenali and Raga pleaded for justice.

Tenali asked Dinanath, "Tell me if you have really returned the diamonds to Raga?"

Dinanath coaxed. He thought for a brief moment. He gave his stick to Raga who stood nearby and said, "May the God be my witness - I swear on my faith, I have given the diamond back to Raga".

Tenali had a penetrative mind. Just when Dinanath took his hand forward to make back his stick, Tenali interrupted and said, "Raga, justice is given. You can go back home with thus stick and then break it".

Dinanath looked shattered. However, he could say a word knowing his ill act will ruin the trust and respect he enjoys in the village".

On other hand, Raga could not understand Tenali's verdict. He attempted to ask Tenali, however was asked to return home quietly with the stick.

Raga looked dejected and returned home with the stick. In spurt of anger, he threw and broke the stick into pieces only to see the beautiful diamonds scattering  around.

Raga was utterly pleased by Tenali's way of spelling verdict. Later he went to thank Tenali and presented him a with a piece of diamond too.

Tenali had an acute sense of making judgements and was popularly known as Maryada Raman - meaning one who grants justice.