Sadhvi Vishrut Vibha
It was a hot day. The Sun was spitting fire on the thirst-ridden earth. The forest wore a dull and dry look. Not even a single soul moved across the bleak landscape.
Suddenly, breaking the stillness a man came riding on a horse. He was sweating profusely and his throat was parched with thirst. Fighting the heat, he went into the forest. On his way, he met an old yet pleasant lady.
The lady called out to him and said, "Son! You must be tired and thirsty. A glass of juice would certainly refresh you." The rider readily accepted the proposal and made himself comfortable under the shade of a tree. Meanwhile, the lady made juice from the sugar canes lying nearby.
One cane easily sufficed for a full glass of juice. The rider greedily gulped down the sweet glass of juice offered to him and felt strong enough to have some talk with the old lady. In the middle of the conversation he asked, "Mother, how much tax do you have to pay to the government?"
The lady replied, "Son! Our king is very kind. We just have to pay 12.5% as tax." Saying so, she proceeded to make another glass of juice for him. The man, who was actually the king of the country, was traveling in disguise, began to brood. He thought that the tax was too little for such a fertile and prosperous land. It would be better if it was doubled.
The lady, who was squeezing the cane was surprised because this time one full cane could not yield even a bowl of juice. The king had the second glass, which was not as sweet and refreshing as before and asked for some more. The third time, the old lady could not manage to squeeze even a half glass and that too, turned out to be tasteless. The king felt, something was wrong and asked the reason.
The king disguised as a normal man asks the reason when the third time she could not manage to squeeze even a half glass of juice.
The lady said, "I feel that my king's thoughts have undergone a change and so the cane is yielding less juice each time." The king interpreted her feelings and changed his mind. He thought that the farmers have to work hard for their livelihood. As a king, it was his responsibility to protect their interest and not exploit them. They should be exempted from all sorts of taxes. While the king was thinking so, the lady was busy preparing juice. This time, the cane yielded two full glasses of juice. She danced with joy. The king was surprised and wanted to learn the reason.
The lady explained, "Our king has changed his mind for the benefit of all." The king was amazed at the psychological analysis made by the lady. But he didn't express it. He expressed gratitude for the juice and without exposing his identity, he started for his destination.
