On the way, Betal started telling him a new story. King Vikramaditya had decided that he
would not answer Betal’s question, but every time Betal’s clever threats forced him to
respond.
Once a rich businessman named Hem Dev lived in Suri Nagar. He had a daughter named
Lajwanti who had reached marriageable age. One day, a young man named Haldar came to
Hem Dev’s house. Haldar was the son of Hem Dev’s late friend. Haldar told Hem Dev that
after his father’s death, he had gone to an island to do business, but a storm had destroyed
everything. With tears in his eyes, Haldar narrated his tragic story.
Haldar’s Deception
Haldar’s reality was quite di erent from what he had told. After his parents’ deaths, Haldar
had adopted bad habits like drinking and gambling. He squandered his father’s wealth, his
mother’s jewelry, and all the family’s property. Destitute and desperate, he remembered his
father’s wealthy friend, Hem Dev, and concocted a story to gain his sympathy.
Hem Dev, feeling sorry for Haldar, took him in and promised to help him start a new life. He
said, “You are like my son. I will teach you my profession, give you money to begin anew, and
help you build your future.” While Hem Dev was speaking, Lajwanti came into the room for
some work, unknowingly catching Haldar’s attention.
Marriage to Lajwanti
Hem Dev, impressed with Haldar’s demeanor, eventually married his daughter Lajwanti to
him. For some time, Haldar lived comfortably at his in-laws’ house. Afterward, Haldar and
Lajwanti left for his supposed home. Haldar, however, had no home and did not care for
Lajwanti. He only wanted her jewelry
While passing through a forest, Haldar asked Lajwanti to remove all her jewelry, pretending
it was for their safety against robbers. Lajwanti innocently complied. Then, Haldar said, “Let’s
rest here for a while. I’ll fetch some water.” He left and never returned.
Lajwanti’s Return to Her Father
When Haldar didn’t return, Lajwanti became worried. As night fell, she returned to her
father’s house, heartbroken and alone. Hem Dev was shocked to see her and asked what
had happened. Lajwanti lied to protect Haldar, saying, “Robbers attacked us and kidnapped
my husband. I managed to escape.” Hem Dev, unaware of Haldar’s betrayal, consoled his
daughter.
Meanwhile, Haldar squandered Lajwanti’s jewelry in a gambling den. When he lost
everything, he returned to Hem Dev’s house, weaving another web of lies. Hem Dev
welcomed him back, relieved that his son-in-law was safe. Haldar, sensing that Lajwanti had
not revealed his actions, continued deceiving Hem Dev.
The Final Betrayal
Haldar convinced Hem Dev to send Lajwanti with him once more, under the pretense of
starting a new life. Hem Dev, trusting Haldar, gave them a bag of gold coins and more gifts
than before. This time, while passing through the forest, Haldar killed Lajwanti and ed with
the money. Her body was left in the jungle, where wild animals consumed it.
Hem Dev and his wife remained under the illusion that their daughter was living happily with
her husband. They never learned that she had been murdered in the forest
Betal’s Question
After telling this story, Betal asked, “Tell me, King Vikramaditya, who is guilty of Lajwanti’s
murder? Was it Haldar, her father Hem Dev, or Lajwanti herself? If you don’t answer, I will
break your head into pieces.”
King Vikramaditya’s Answer
The king replied, “Betal, Lajwanti herself is guilty of her murder. When she returned to her
father’s house after the rst incident, she should have told the truth about Haldar’s betrayal.
If she had revealed what had happened in the forest, Hem Dev would not have trusted
Haldar again and would not have sent Lajwanti back with him. Her silence allowed Haldar to
deceive her family a second time, ultimately leading to her death.”
Betal’s Response
Betal said, “Vikram, very good. I am very happy with your answer. You have spoken wisely
and fairly. Now I am freeing you from the burden of keeping quiet.”
The king did not say anything further and continued toward the hermit’s ashram with Betal
firmly on his shoulders.