Page 17 - story

THE IRON ROD

Now, came a terrible snow storm! To protect their eyes, Aisha and her Rajan and Gopal were very good friends. Both of them were well off.

parents kept their hands on their eyes. Unexpectedly the Yeti had Rajan was a wood merchant while Gopal had a garments store. Once it

shrunk into the ground. Then a profile of all the passengers appeared in so happened that Rajan suffered a heavy loss in business. He was in
front of them telling them that the moment they pulled their hands great debt.He sold his wife’s jewellery,all the fine furnitures and even

above shoulder level, the Yeti would be pulled in the earth. They were all the house he lived in. Thus he cleared his debts but now he had nothing

very amazed!They tried this super power on the mummies but alas, they to continue his business with. He was left with a thick iron rod as his

couldn’t move their hands! Suddenly everything disappeared and all only possession.

Aisha saw was her mother tired of trying to wake her up. She asked her

mother about the train and the Yeti and mother replied, “We just He thoughtof leaving the village and going to the city to earn some

returned from Goa and you slept in the train. I did not want to wake you money. He went to Gopal’s house and said, “Dear friend, I am leaving for

up. So we carried you to your bed while you were in deep sleep.” Mother the city with my family. I’ll earn some money there and come back. Will

continued, “Now, get up! Wash your face and come for breakfast.” Aisha you please keep this iron rod for me? It is allI’m left with.” “Oh, don’t
woke up yawning to realize that it was a dream. worry,”said Gopal. “You can leave the iron rod in my safe custody. You

can take it back whenever you want to. Go to the city and prosper. My
By Sukhada Bhanap (VII)
best wishes are with you, my friend.” So Rajan left the iron rod with

Gopal.

In a few months timeRajan earned enough in the city to start a business

again in the village. He came back to the village and even bought a new

house. One morning Rajan paid Gopal a visit. Gopal welcomed him with

open arms. After refreshments and conversations Rajan said, “Dear
friend, now I would like to take back the iron rod that I left in your

possession. .”To this request Gopal looked a bit taken aback. Then in an

uncertain tone he said “Dear friend, I am afraid I can’t give the iron rod

to you. I had kept it in the store room. Some rats nibbled it away.” Rajan

understood the Gopal wanted to keep the iron rod for himself. He did

not say anything. He thought for a second and said, “It doesn’t matter

anyway. Please send your son Gopi with me. I’ll send a gift brought for
you. It’s at my house.” Gopal sent Gopi with Rajan. He was happy to have

got the iron rod and also a gift from Rajan.