In a town near the confluence of the Ganges and Jumna rivers, a selfish and hot-tempered Raja named Surya Pratap rules with an iron fist, punishing anyone who defies him. His chief vizier, Dhairya-Sila, known for his patience and wisdom, is deeply respected by the people but faces jealousy from others. One day, the Raja commands Dhairya-Sila to perform a shameful act, which he refuses, leading to his imprisonment in a tower without food or water. Dhairya-Sila's devoted wife, Buddhi-Mati, sensing something is wrong when he does not return home, sets out to find him. Upon discovering his fate, she sneaks to the tower at midnight, where Dhairya-Sila instructs her to gather specific items: a beetle, various threads, and a drop of honey. He devises a plan to escape using these items, believing in their potential to aid his rescue. Buddhi-Mati diligently collects the items and returns to the tower. Following her husband's instructions, she ties the silken thread to the beetle, which is attracted to the honey. As the beetle climbs, she carefully unwinds the thread, allowing Dhairya-Sila to pull it up. He then uses the cotton thread and twine to create a means of descent, ultimately escaping the tower with the help of a strong rope. Once reunited, the couple expresses gratitude to their deity for the miraculous escape. Dhairya-Sila insists on returning the beetle to its home, demonstrating his respect for the creature that played a crucial role in his rescue. They keep his escape a secret, fearing the Raja's wrath. Meanwhile, Surya Pratap, unaware of Dhairya-Sila's return, feels guilty for his actions. When Dhairya-Sila eventually appears at the palace, he fabricates a story about being rescued by an eagle, fearing the Raja's reaction to the truth. The Raja, believing in the miracle, reinstates Dhairya-Sila as his vizier, who becomes increasingly powerful and wealthy. Despite his success, Dhairya-Sila is haunted by his lie, while Buddhi-Mati wishes to reveal the truth about the beetle's role in his escape. Eventually, the secret is revealed, but by then, Dhairya-Sila's influence is so strong that he remains unscathed. His legacy continues through his son, who inherits his position, ensuring the family's prominence in the kingdom.
By S.M. Mitra · First published 2021 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Folklore · 7 chapters