In a small village nestled among green hills, there lived a kind woman named Sunita. She was married to a farmer, Arun, and together they worked hard to ensure their land flourished.
One day, while tending to their crops, Arun found a mysterious old book buried under an ancient tree. With excitement, he took it home to Sunita, and they discovered it was filled with riddles.
The first riddle asked, ‘Which woman becomes a widow before her time?’. Sunita thought deeply and said, 'A wife married to a gambler who loses her to another man.'
The next riddle read, ‘Which woman never knows joy in life?’. Sunita sighed sadly and responded, 'A hardworking woman who is never appreciated by her family.'
The third riddle posed a harder question, ‘What is it that a wife may refuse to give her husband even if he asks?’. Sunita paused before declaring, 'Her trust, if he has broken it before.'
As soon as Sunita finished her answers, the book glowed with a golden light, and a voice spoke, 'Your wisdom has unlocked the secrets of true happiness and sorrow.'
The voice continued, 'Now, I grant you three wishes for your insightful answers. Ask what your heart truly desires.'
For her first wish, Sunita asked for the village to never face famine. A bountiful rain began to fall, promising a prosperous year.
Her second wish was for the health and happiness of every child in the village, after which laughter of playing children filled the air.
For her final wish, Sunita wished for a never-ending bond of trust and love between every family in the village. Suddenly, a sense of peace settled over everyone.
The book told Sunita that the greatest treasures are not the answers to riddles, but the love and wisdom within one's heart.
Sunita and Arun spent many happy years together, their hearts and home filled with the love they shared with their village.
And the village thrived, passing down the tales of the wise Sunita and her three life-changing riddles for generations to come.
Reflection Questions