By Srinidhi Ranganathan in Director's Pick — Jan 7, 2024

The Shepherd's Wish

Intrigued, he picked it up and held it in his hand, feeling a strange warmth emanating from within. Little did he know, this pebble held a power beyond his wildest dreams.

In a tiny village nestled in the heart of the Indian countryside, there lived a humble shepherd named Raj. Raj had always been content with his simple life, tending to his flock of sheep and living off the land. He was beloved by the villagers for his kind heart and gentle nature. One day, while tending to his flock, Raj stumbled upon a small, glowing pebble lying in the grass. Intrigued, he picked it up and held it in his hand, feeling a strange warmth emanating from within. Little did he know, this pebble held a power beyond his wildest dreams.

As the days passed, Raj couldn't help but notice the strange and wondrous things happening around him. Whenever he held the pebble close, his dearest wishes seemed to come true. It was as if the pebble possessed the power to grant him anything he desired. At first, Raj used the pebble sparingly, only making small, unselfish wishes that brought joy and prosperity to the village. The villagers marvelled at the good fortune that seemed to follow Raj wherever he went.

However, word of the magical pebble spread quickly throughout the village, and soon, jealousy and greed began to take hold. The once harmonious atmosphere of the village was disrupted by quarrels and disputes over the pebble. Some villagers demanded that Raj use the pebble to fulfil their selfish desires, while others accused him of hoarding its power for himself. Raj knew that the pebble was a gift that should be shared with the village, but he also feared the chaos and discord it had brought.

Determined to restore peace and harmony to the village, Raj sought the counsel of the wise elder, Guruji. The old man listened patiently as Raj poured out his heart, confessing his fears and worries. Guruji nodded knowingly and spoke in a voice that was both gentle and wise. "My dear Raj, the pebble has the power to bring great blessings, but also great peril. You must use its power with wisdom and humility, for the greater good of the village. Let go of your fear and listen to your heart."

With Guruji's words weighing heavily on his mind, Raj retreated to a quiet place by the river, where he spent hours reflecting on what he should do. As he gazed at the shimmering waters, a sudden clarity washed over him. He knew what needed to be done. With a newfound sense of purpose, he returned to the village and called for a gathering in the town square. The villagers gathered around, curious and apprehensive, as Raj stood before them, holding the glowing pebble in his hand.

"My dear friends," Raj began, his voice steady and resolute, "I have realized that the power of this pebble is not mine alone to wield. It belongs to all of us, and it is meant to bring joy and abundance to our village. I will use the pebble to fulfil one wish for each of you, but remember, the true power lies within us, not in this small, glowing stone."

One by one, the villagers approached Raj, each making a simple and selfless wish. Some wished for good health, others for a bountiful harvest, and still others for peace and prosperity for their loved ones. As the wishes were fulfilled, a sense of wonder and joy filled the air, and the villagers were reminded of the beauty of kindness and compassion.

In the days that followed, the village flourished like never before. The fields yielded an abundant harvest, the sick were miraculously healed, and the villagers basked in a newfound sense of unity and peace. The pebble had brought the village together, not torn it apart as they had feared.

Raj continued to use the pebble wisely, always mindful of the lessons he had learned. He never made a wish for himself, but instead used its power to bring happiness and prosperity to the village. The pebble became a symbol of hope and unity, reminding the villagers of the power of selflessness and compassion.

And so, the tiny village in the heart of India continued to thrive, its people living in harmony and peace, all thanks to the wisdom and humility of a humble shepherd named Raj and a small, glowing pebble that had once threatened to disrupt their lives.

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