The Power of Truth: A Wise King’s Justice

In a kingdom ruled by power and pride, it was not a warrior or a noble who won the king’s heart — but a simple water carrier. His joy was in serving others. His reward? A betrayal that nearly cost him his life. But fate had other plans. This is the tale of Shankar — a humble soul whose honesty outshined even the most cunning schemes.

Once upon a time, in a peaceful and beautiful kingdom, lived a humble water carrier named Shankar. Beloved by everyone in his village, Shankar was always smiling, always helping. Every day, he carried water from the river to people’s homes, greeting them warmly and spreading joy wherever he went.

Despite living a simple life, his contentment inspired those around him.

One day, news of Shankar’s kind nature and dedication reached the king. Curious, the king summoned him to the palace.

“I’ve heard of your good heart,” the king said. “From today, you shall serve in my palace — bringing water to me and my guests.”

Overjoyed, Shankar rushed home to share the news with his wife. He wore his best clothes and returned to the palace to begin his new life.

Soon, his cheerful nature and storytelling made him a favorite among the palace guests — and even the king. The king would often call him just to hear his amusing tales and feel lighter.

But not everyone was pleased.

The king’s minister, once his closest companion, grew jealous. Watching a mere water carrier win the king’s affection made his blood boil. So, he devised a plan to destroy Shankar.

One evening, the minister visited Shankar in secret.

“Shankar,” he whispered, “the king is upset. He finds your breath unbearable but doesn’t want to offend you. You should wear a mask in his presence.”

Shankar was shocked and embarrassed. Trusting the minister’s words, he began wearing a mask in front of the king every day.

The king was surprised at first but didn’t say anything. Days turned into weeks.

Eventually, curiosity got the better of him. The king asked the minister,

“Why does Shankar wear a mask?”

The minister smirked.

“My Lord, I asked him too. He said he wears it because your breath smells unpleasant.”

The king’s face turned red with anger. Feeling betrayed, he gave a secret order:

“Tomorrow, whoever walks out of the palace with a bouquet of roses — have the executioner cut off his head.”

The next day, Shankar served the guests as usual. Pleased with his service, the king handed him a bouquet of roses. Shankar bowed and walked out.

But just before he reached the gate, the minister stopped him.

“Who gave you those flowers?” he asked.

“The king,” Shankar replied with a smile. “He wanted to reward me.”

Consumed by envy, the minister snatched the bouquet.

“I deserve this more than you!” he barked, and stormed out — right into the hands of the executioner.

The next morning, Shankar arrived at the palace as usual. The king was stunned.

“Shankar! You're alive?” he gasped. “Tell me — why do you always wear that mask around me?”

Shankar, still unaware of the plot, replied humbly,

“My Lord, the minister told me you were bothered by my breath. I only wore it out of respect.”

The king’s eyes widened in shock.

“And what happened to the roses I gave you?” he asked.

“The minister took them. He said he deserved them more than I did,” Shankar answered honestly.

The king burst into laughter.

“Indeed, he got exactly what he deserved.”

With that, the king removed Shankar’s mask and declared,

“From today, you will no longer be just a water carrier — you will be my Royal Storyteller.”

This story reminds us: Kindness, honesty, and humility are stronger than envy and deceit.

Those who plot against others often fall into their own traps. And those with a pure heart — even if they walk through betrayal and humiliation — will always find their reward.

Because fate has a strange way of honoring the truth.