The royal court of Vijayanagara was buzzing with excitement.
A grand celebration had been announced.
On this special day, everyone was expected to present a gift to the king.
Gold coins were polished.
Silk cloth was folded neatly.
Precious gems were wrapped carefully.
At the center of the court sat Krishnadevaraya, smiling warmly.
One by one, courtiers stepped forward.
Some offered jewels.
Some presented rare artifacts.
The king thanked each of them.
At the back of the court stood Tenali Raman.
Empty-handed.
Whispers began.
“Did Tenali forget the gift?”
“Or does he think jokes are enough?”
Finally, the king noticed him.
“Tenali,” the king said kindly,
“where is your gift?”
Tenali stepped forward and bowed.
“Your Majesty,” he said calmly,
“I have brought you a gift—
but it cannot be seen.”
The court burst into laughter.
“Invisible gifts now?”
someone mocked.
The king raised his hand.
“Let him speak,” he said.
Tenali continued,
“My gift is patience.”
The court fell quiet.
Tenali explained,
“Today, I watched as people waited,
stood in long lines,
and controlled their impatience—
all for respect toward you.”
He looked around the hall.
“Patience cannot be wrapped in silk,
yet it holds a kingdom together.”
The king leaned forward.
Tenali added,
“My second gift is honesty.”
Gasps filled the room.
“I did not borrow gold to impress,
nor did I pretend wealth I don’t have.”
The king smiled thoughtfully.
“And the third?” he asked.
Tenali replied softly,
“Perspective.”
He gestured to the gifts.
“Gold shines today,
but values shine forever.”
Silence filled the court.
The king stood up.
“Tenali,” he said,
“your gift is the only one
that will not fade.”
The courtiers lowered their heads.
That day,
the king accepted a gift
he could not see—
but would never forget.
🌟 MORAL OF THE STORY
True gifts are not always visible.
Values like patience, honesty, and wisdom
are worth more than gold.
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