As King Vikramaditya carefully carried Betal on his shoulders, Betal began narrating another
story to pass the journey. The story began in the kingdom of Angaj, where two Brahmin
brothers, Sant and Basant, were known for their deep bond and a ection for each other.
Both brothers were bachelors and spent their days together, living in harmony.
The Encounter in the Garden
One day, while strolling in the garden, they saw a beautiful woman named Sundari. Sant was
immediately captivated by her beauty and confessed to his brother Basant about his
feelings. Basant encouraged him to express his emotions and propose to her. However,
Sant decided to take a secret route to the garden, concealing his identity so no one could
recognize him.
When Sant reached the garden, he approached Sundari and said, “You are the most
beautiful woman I have ever seen. Will you marry me?”
Sundari replied, “Are you sure you want to marry me? My beauty is not real—it is all due to
ornaments and makeup. Without them, I am not beautiful.”
When Sundari showed Sant her true self, devoid of makeup and ornaments, he was
repulsed and left without saying another word.
Basant’s Encounter
The next day, Basant went to the garden and met Sundari. He proposed marriage to her,
and Sundari repeated the same condition: “Before deciding, you must see me without
ornaments and makeup. My true appearance may change your mind.”
Basant, however, replied, “Beauty fades with time. What matters is a kind heart and noble
qualities. I care more about your virtues than your looks.”
Sundari was overjoyed and accepted his proposal. They decided to marry, and Basant
informed Sant of his decision.
Con ict Between the Brothers
When Sant heard of Basant’s plan, he became enraged. “Why would you marry such an
unattractive woman? You deserve someone better,” Sant argued.
Despite his objections, Basant went ahead with the marriage. On their wedding day, Sundari
appeared radiant and beautiful, leaving Sant ba ed. He asked, “You looked unattractive
before, so why are you so beautiful now?”
Sundari explained, “I deliberately disguised myself earlier to test who valued my qualities
over my beauty. Basant passed the test, proving he loved me for who I am.”
Basant was overjoyed, but Sant’s anger only deepened. One day, when Basant was away,
Sant went to Sundari’s house and attacked her in a t of rage. Basant returned to nd his
wife injured and, in the ensuing ght, accidentally killed his brother.
Trial and Judgment
The townspeople, who had always admired the bond between the two brothers, were
devastated to hear about Sant’s death. Rumors spread that Sundari was to blame for causing
the rift between the brothers. Basant was arrested and brought before the king for trial.
When Basant explained the entire incident, the king carefully considered the matter and
rendered his judgment.
Betal’s Question
After nishing the story, Betal turned to King Vikramaditya and asked, “O King, what decision
did the ruler of Angaj make? Should Basant have been punished for his brother’s death, or
was he innocent? If you do not answer, I will break your head into pieces.”
King Vikramaditya’s Answer
King Vikramaditya replied, “The king of Angaj would have declared Basant innocent. Basant’s
actions were not driven by malice but were a tragic accident in the heat of the moment. The
real culprit was Sant, whose jealousy and anger led to the con ict. Basant’s love for Sundari
and his commitment to her were genuine, and he acted only in defense of his wife. The king
would have acquitted Basant and praised his loyalty and honesty.”
Betal’s Response
Betal was pleased with King Vikramaditya’s answer and said, “You have judged wisely, as
always. You truly are a just and intelligent king. However, because you spoke, I must return
to the Peepal tree.
With that, Betal ew back to the tree, leaving King Vikramaditya to chase after him once
again, determined to ful ll his promise to the sage.