When the night falls and darkness descends on earth, the human society goes to rest and dream.
But that's when another society of people of a different realm wake up to life and activity. This is the society of the supernaturals, popularly called the ghosts.
Besides, the transcdentals, some of our own ilk also spend the night out in the dark. They are almost equal, nay, more than equal to the ghosts.
I remember a story of my childhood days which depicts a confrontation between a ghost and a thief.
It so happened that once a thief went to steal the cows of a farmer. Outside the house he met a ghost who was lurking around to kill the farmer.
After getting introduced to each other they became friends instantly because they had a common purpose, that is, to harm the farmer.
Thus, they shook hands and exchanged pleasantries too. Thereafter, the duo sat down to talk business.
The ghost had already had a serious fear that the farmer would most probably get up due to the sound of the cows while the thief stole them. Then he is sure to alert all in the house which will defeat his aim.
So, he said, "First, I will kill the farmer, then you take the cows comfortably without any fear or tension."
The thief, however, had the opposite idea since he had no faith on the ability of the ghost. This was because he knew the farmer was quite strong and fearless. So, he thought, if he agreed to the proposal of the ghost, may be, he would never succeed in his mission.
He, therefore, said, "No, let me take the cows first and afterwards when the farmer comes out you may kill him."
Such opposite views turned into a serious disagreement soon and both were now shouting at each other. The farmer's sleep was disturbed and he was now wide awake.
After carefully listening to their arguments for a while he understood everything. He got up from his bed, took out his all time companion, the ever dependable and strong bamboo club, and quietly came out taking advantage of the darkness. With his stick in hand he thrashed both the quarreling duo soundly.
Poor friends, their aim was utterly defeated and both learnt a good lesson in their life. Friendship between two selfish ill-intentioned person never lasts long. It finally results in misery for both.
Viswamitra (17.02.2023)
