Four wives

Aravinda had an invitation to dine at his rich friend’s mansion. He was celebrating the fourth anniversary of marriage to his fourth wife. Aravinda has known his friend ever since his marriage to his first wife.

All throughout he wanted to tell him something - something quite important.

"Some of your wives are not faithful, I have a feeling."

The rich friend placed his glass back on the table. He needed a moment to grasp what he heard. Aravinda, he knew, won't just pass such a judgment.

"How can you say that?"
Okay I have a plan to prove that."
"Let's have it, Aravinda."

The following day the rich friend fell ill. Although the wives were determined to look after him, his sickness grew worse.

He wanted to summon his fourth wife, the one he loved most. She was in her bubbling youth quite in contrast to his old age. He took every chance to admire her.

"Darling, I think I'm going to die soon."
"Oh, how can you?" the fourth sighed.
"But you can come with me, yes?"
She fell into thought.

"I love you, honey," she said between sobs, "I will try to be with you as long as I can."

"How long can you stay with me?"

"I will stay with you till the funeral is over. I will make sure they praise you a lot. I'm sorry," the wife was crying, "I can't stay with you more than that."

The rich friend felt sad. He will miss this young girl when he dies.

He called for the third wife, whom he married in middle age. His peers envied him for marrying such an attractive woman.

"How are you feeling now, love?"
"Not really good, dear. I won't live any longer I think."
"Oh don't say such things. Don't hurt me."
"But that's the truth," the rich friend was a little irritated. He was frustrated.
"I will come with you, in that case."
"How far?"
"I can give you a glamorous funeral."
"Not beyond that point?"
"No dear, how can I be with you beyond that point? Please don't misunderstand me, but I'm helpless."

"Okay, off you go then."

He wanted to speak to second wife. They grew up together. As he was progressing in his career, their encounters became briefer.

"I will take care of you. I won't let you die."
"No point, doctors don’t have hope on my life."
The wife remained silent.
"Will you be with me?"
"Of course, yes."
"How far?"

"I will come up to your graveside.”

The wife left, as he turned to the other side. No one is going to be with me, the rich friend felt disturbed within. He thought his wives are there with him forever, but now he has doubts.

Then he felt a soft caress. It was his first wife. The one who was married to him the moment he was born. The one who has been his shadow throughout his life. He never took any trouble to find out about her later in his life. She had aged a lot – just like him. Unlike his young vigorous wives, the rich friend could see creases in his first wife’s ageing face.

"How are you feeling?" the wife asked softly.
“I’m going to die soon.”
She smiled.
“So what? I’m going to be there with you.”
“Weeping over my death, perhaps…”
“I can do even more.”
“Even more?”
“I will be with you right throughout. And even in the next birth, if you believe in one.”
“How so?”

“You will see. Have I ever lied to you? Have I ever been unfaithful to you?”

A guilty feeling came over like a sudden stab in his heart. She had never been unfaithful, the rich man realised.

“I didn’t care about you, I’m sorry.”

“You are not late, sweetheart. If you take good care of me, I will give you good company. Keep this in mind.”

The wife caressed his forehead, and left the room. It was time for Aravinda to come out of hiding. He closed the door to make sure their conversation is out of earshot.

“Will you explain this puzzle to me?”

“It’s a simple thing, friend. Your fourth wife stands for fame and reputation you have achieved. The fame came to you because of wealth - that is your third wife. Your second wife is your family. You said your first wife was married to you the moment you were born, right?”

“Yes, she was.”

“So it is obvious. The first wife is what you think, say and do. Everything you do with intention. If you do good, you will reap good. If you do bad, you will reap bad. Got it?”

“Perfect, Aravinda. I understood it perfectly,” the rich friend said.

Recovered, Aravinda’s rich friend opened the door of his room to see four wives in line. He hugged his first wife tightly - he felt her warmth more than ever. His younger wives flocked around them, smiles cast on faces.

[email protected]