One day he came across a rich and kind man who came to the cobbler for mending his shoes. Out of curiosity, he said to the cobbler, How much do you earn a day? Can you lead a happy life with your income?" The cobbler smiled and replied, "I've never thought about my income; I just earn an amount, buy food for feeding my family, sing and sleep peacefully."
The simplicity of the cobbler impressed the rich man. "The cobbler is really a happy person, but he cannot foresee his future", he talked to himself. "How will he be able to take care of his family if he falls into any difficult situation?"
Then, the rich man offered him two thousand taka and said, "Keep it in your safety and use the amount when you need." The cobbler received the amount hesitantly. "Two thousand taka is a big amount", he talked to himself. "I should keep the amount in safety." He took the money to his home, but he couldn't find a secure place to lock the money. Finally, he dug into the floor and kept the money underneath the floor.
Still, he couldn't sleep at night. All the time he was thinking of stealing the money. A sense of restlessness emerged in his mind. This restlessness destroyed his inner piece. He lost his joy in his day-to-day life. "I should find out the rich man and return his money", he told himself. After a few days, he found the rich man luckily. He respectfully returned his money. "Why are you returning the money", the gentleman inquired of the cobbler. "Your money has made me very restless", he replied. "Now, I can't sleep peacefully; now, I have lost my inner peace." The gentleman received the money surprisingly.
Now, the cobbler had nothing in his possession that he should take care of. He felt completely free which restored his sleep and peace of mind. Really, Happiness lies in contentment.
The Grocer and the Fruit Seller
A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed
A Thirsty Crow
Dividing the Bread Between Two Rats
Industry Brings Happiness
An Honest woodcutter
Short Story Writing (Part I)