In a peaceful village lived a farmer named Maran. He was very wealthy, with vast lands and overflowing granaries. However, Maran was always anxious. He lived in constant fear that if he shared even a little, he would eventually lose everything. He spent his days counting his coins and guarding his storehouses.
In the same village lived a laborer named Kathir. Kathir had very little money, but he always had a bright smile on his face. One year, a severe drought hit the village. Crops failed, and many families struggled to find food. Maran locked his granaries tightly, watching them like a hawk, terrified that someone might steal his wealth.
Kathir, on the other hand, shared whatever little he had. One afternoon, he saw a young girl crying because she was hungry. Without a second thought, Kathir gave her his last piece of bread. As the girl smiled and thanked him, a warmth spread through Kathir's heart that no amount of gold could ever provide. He realized that giving felt better than having.
When the rains finally returned, Maran was still wealthy, but he was lonely and stressed, always worrying about his possessions. Kathir, though not rich, was surrounded by friends and laughter. Maran approached him and asked, 'Kathir, you have almost nothing left, yet you look so happy. How?' Kathir replied softly, 'Maran, the joy I feel when I help someone is much greater than the joy of holding onto something for myself.' Maran finally understood that true happiness isn't found in what we keep, but in what we give.
