The rain had poured all night, leaving the narrow village roads soggy and filled with mud. It was market day, and a farmer named Bhola was heading there, his cart loaded high with bundles of hay. Bhola knew he needed to arrive early to get a good spot, so he urged his oxen to pick up their pace. But as he drove along the muddy track, one of the cart’s wheels got stuck deep in a muddy pit.
Bhola pulled hard on the reins, hoping the oxen could pull the cart free, but the wheel only sank deeper. Frustrated, he jumped down, glancing around, but there was no one in sight to lend a hand. Instead of attempting to free the wheel himself, Bhola shook his fists at the sky, complaining loudly, “Why does this always happen to me? I work so hard, and yet my luck is always bad! How am I supposed to get to the market now?”
As he continued his complaints, a wise old villager happened to be passing by and heard Bhola’s cries. Approaching, the old man observed the situation and asked, “Have you tried to push the cart yourself, or are you just planning to stand here and grumble all day?”
Bhola was taken aback and replied, “I was waiting for someone to help me! It’s hopeless to do it alone.”
The old man chuckled and said, “Help will come when you start helping yourself. Put your strength into it, and your luck will follow.”
Realizing the truth of the old man’s words, Bhola braced himself and pushed hard, while encouraging his oxen. With a great effort, the wheel came loose, and the cart was free. Thanking the old man, Bhola felt a newfound sense of determination. He set off to the market, grateful for the lesson he had learned that day.
Moral:
Effort brings fortune; self-help leads the way.