Wisdom Paves the Way (Scene I)

Characters

The King of Ujjain: a young King
Four Young Men: Ram Datt, Shiv Datt, Har Datt, and Dev Datt
The Merchant
Two Sentries

Setting: A road leading to Ujjain, visible in the distance. Later, the King’s court, adorned with rich tapestries, tall pillars, and regal decor. The time is midday.

Scene I: The Road to Ujjain

(Four young men — Ram Datt, Shiv Datt, Har Datt, and Dev Datt — are walking along a dusty road leading to Ujjain. They appear travel-worn but resolute, their eyes fixed on the city that looms ahead. The sun is high, and the distant noise of the bustling city faintly reaches them.)

Ram Datt : (Wiping his brow) We have journeyed far from home, yet the prospect of finding work still eludes us.

Har Datt : How long has it been since we left our village?

Shiv Datt : I believe it has been over a week — perhaps even longer.

Ram Datt : Ten days, to be precise. Every day feels longer than the last.

Dev Datt : Ten days are but a short span in the grand scheme of things. We may still have many more roads to wander before we find employment befitting all four of us.

Ram Datt : If only we could secure an audience with the King of Ujjain. I am confident he would recognise our talents and appoint us to his service.

Shiv Datt : I share your belief.

Dev Datt : Indeed, we ought to be united in this hope. That is why we press on towards Ujjain.

Har Datt : (Pausing thoughtfully) Gaining an audience with the King is no simple task. We need to devise a strategy.

Dev Datt : Let us reach the city gates first. We can deliberate once we are closer.

(As they walk, Ram Datt notices something on the ground.)

Shiv Datt : Look there, friends. A camel has passed this way. The tracks are fresh.

Ram Datt : (Studying the tracks) Yes, let us observe them as we continue. They may tell us more than meets the eye.

(The four men continue walking, occasionally stopping to examine the camel’s tracks. They scrutinise every detail, exchanging glances but saying little.)

Ram Datt : I have discovered something peculiar about this camel.

Shiv Datt : So have I.

Har Datt : I, too, have noticed a strange detail.

Dev Datt : (Smiling) It seems each of us has learnt something unique, yet I believe my discovery is unlike any of yours.

Har Datt : Let us rest beneath a large tree and share our findings. But wait — someone approaches in haste!

Shiv Datt : (Peering ahead) It appears to be a merchant, running as if pursued by trouble.

Ram Datt : A merchant indeed, and judging by his countenance, he has lost something of great value — perhaps his camel.

(The Merchant, panting and distressed, reaches the group. He pauses to catch his breath, then addresses them anxiously.)

Merchant : (Breathlessly) Good day, kind sirs.

All Four : Good day, brother.

Merchant : I seek your help. My camel has gone astray. Have you, by chance, seen it?

Ram Datt : Is your camel lame in one leg, by any chance?

Merchant : (Surprised) Yes, yes, it is!

Shiv Datt : Is it blind in the right eye?

Merchant : Precisely! It is blind in one eye — the right one, as you say.

Har Datt : And does it have a short tail?

Merchant : (Astonished) You describe it perfectly! Yes, it has a short tail.

Dev Datt : Tell me, sir, has it not been suffering from a pain in the stomach?

Merchant : (Taken aback) How could you possibly know that? The poor creature has been unwell for two weeks now. Surely you are a healer! I will gladly pay your fee if you can cure it. But tell me, where is my camel?

Ram Datt : We regret to inform you that we do not know where it is.

Shiv Datt : We have not seen your camel, not even once.

Merchant : (Indignant) How can that be? You speak of my camel as if it stood before you, yet you dare to claim not to have seen it! You are deceivers! You must have stolen it and sold it off. I will take this matter to the King himself.

Dev Datt : You are free to do as you wish, sir. If the King desires our presence, we shall be waiting under that banyan tree yonder.

Merchant : I do not trust your words. I will not leave you here to slip away. You shall come with me to face the King!

All Four : Very well. We shall go to the King.

(They follow the Merchant towards the city gates. As they arrive at the palace, the Merchant speaks urgently to a Sentry. The Sentry leads the Merchant inside.)