Betal started telling them another story. Once, two wise men named Madan and Ratan lived
on the island of Bali. They were good friends and trusted each other deeply. One day, they
went on a business journey together and earned a lot of money. On their way back, they
passed through a dense forest and decided to rest and count their earnings.
As they were counting the money, they heard the sound of a woman crying. A distressed
woman approached them, and they asked her the reason for her sorrow. She replied, “I am
very sad. A few days ago, I was traveling through this forest with my husband. Robbers
attacked us, looted all our wealth, and killed my husband. Now I am left alone in this world
and don’t know what to do.”
Madan and Ratan felt deep pity for her plight. They comforted the woman, o ered her food,
and allowed her to rest with them. They kept a bon re going at night and took turns
guarding against wild animals to ensure her safety.
The Decision to Marry
Realizing the woman needed someone to care for her, Madan and Ratan decided to take
responsibility for her well-being. They o ered to marry her, but both friends wanted to
marry her. To settle the matter fairly, they decided to write their names on two slips of
paper and asked the woman to choose one. Whoever’s name appeared on the slip would
marry her
When the woman picked a slip, Madan’s name was written on it. Madan married her, and
they lived happily together. After a few years, they had a son. However, tragedy struck when
Madan died.
The Dispute Over Property
Ratan was heartbroken over his friend’s death. Madan had been more than a friend; they
had grown up together, played together, and shared countless memories. Despite his grief,
Ratan’s troubles were not over. Madan’s widow demanded half of Ratan’s property, claiming
that Madan had been his partner in business and life.
Ratan refused, arguing that Madan had no formal share in his property. The dispute
escalated, and the matter was brought before the king’s court.
The King’s Judgment
The king listened carefully to the case, considering the widow’s demands and Ratan’s
arguments. After much deliberation, the king gave his decision: The widow was entitled to a
share of Ratan’s property. The reasoning was that when the woman had rst met Madan
and Ratan, both had worked equally and had shared responsibilities. Thus, she had a claim
not just on Madan’s property but also on Ratan’s, as their partnership and mutual
responsibilities extended beyond formal boundaries.
The courtiers and the widow accepted the king’s judgment. She began to live her life
peacefully, satis ed with the justice she had received.
Betal’s Question
After narrating the story, Betal asked King Vikramaditya, “Tell me, Vikram, what decision did
the king make for that widow? Was her demand just? If you do not answer, I will break your
head into pieces.”
King Vikramaditya’s Answer
King Vikramaditya replied, “Yes, her demand was just. While she was married to Madan, her
initial connection and shared work with both Madan and Ratan created an equitable claim.
The king was right in granting her a share in Ratan’s property, as both men were equally
involved in her life at a critical time.”
Hearing King Vikramaditya’s wise answer, Betal said, “You have given the right answer,
Vikram. The king had also done the same justice. You are truly a wise and fair king.”
With that, Betal ew back to the Peepal tree, and King Vikramaditya pursued him once again,
determined to ful ll his promise to the sage