Three Friends | Folktale of India

Once upon a time, three friends studied in the same gurukul. Raja, Bhola, and Sumeir were inseparable. Raja was the son of King Bahu. Raja was destined to take over the reigns. He was a very dedicated student and a favourite in the Gurukul. 

No one wanted to offend him as he was destined to be King. But Raja was a very humble person and never misused his status. He behaved like an ordinary student. His best friends, Bhola and Sumeir, treated him like one of their usual friends. This thing of Bhola and Sumeir was liked and appreciated by Raja very much. Bhola was a farmer’s son who was very passionate about farming. Sumeir was a merchant’s son, and he, too, wanted to take over his father’s business.

Soon, days turned into years. Raja was crowned King. Bhola became a farmer like his father, and Sumeir became a merchant. All were enjoying their work and success, too. Bhola’s farms stretched more than his father's. Sumeir’s father traded in gold while he started trading in a diamond. He built a massive bungalow for himself.

The three friends never took the support of each other and met very rarely. They never expected to work together and were happy in their world. Raja, too, never gave them any favour as he thought it might hurt their dignity and self-worth.

Raja missed them terribly. But he understood that his first duty was towards his kingdom. He never got to go to Bhola’s hut or Sumeir's bungalow. One day, he thought that if he could not go and meet them, he could call them over the palace. Raja invited his friends. Bhola was elated, receiving an invite. He mounted his horse and went to Sumeir’s bungalow. Sumeir, too, had received the invite. Unlike Bhola, Sumeir was very sceptical about accepting the invitation. Bhola wanted to know what was holding him back.

He replied, ‘Being friends with a king can have serious consequences. Their enemies can harm us, too.’

Bhola, being a simple person, took Sumeir’s words as accurate. They made an excuse and didn’t go to meet Raja, which upset Raja. After a few years, he again sent an invite to both his friends. Also, they made an excuse. 

After a few months, Bhola fixed his sister’s marriage. He invited Sumeir, but he didn’t invite Raja. Raja was hurt when he came to know about it. However, he decided to attend the wedding. Bhola was pleased to see him. He apologized to Raja for his behaviour, and Sumeir accepted his fault. Raja assured them his friendship would never cause them harm. Bhola and Sumeir also assured him that -even if his friendship caused them injury, they would not complain for the sake of their country. Raja was pleased. Three friends overcame their differences and enjoyed the wedding.

Moral – Always cherish your friends and their friendship.

Happy reading!

Check out Nisha B Thakur's highly appreciated novel, The Unexpected Trail.