In a grand, sparkling palace filled with twinkling chandeliers and colorful banners, there lived a grumpy courtier named Mehta. He had a frown so sour it could turn milk into cheese! For years, he watched his clever friend Birbal shine like a bright star while he sat sulking in the corner, feeling like a bear without its honey. One sunny morning, after hearing another round of applause for Birbal, Mehta snapped. “Enough is enough!” he shouted, stomping his foot like thunder. “I can prove that Birbal isn’t so clever! Challenge him with three impossible questions, and if he fails, he must leave his post!”
Emperor Akbar's eyes sparkled with mischief. “Oh, I love a good challenge!” he exclaimed, summoning Birbal with a wave of his hand. Birbal entered the court, smiling like a summer day, ready for anything. The crowd buzzed with excitement as the Emperor announced Mehta’s three tricky questions: “How many stars are in the sky?” “Where is the center of the Earth?” and “How many men and women are in the world?”
The courtiers gasped; these questions seemed impossible! Mehta crossed his arms, a smug grin on his face, thinking this was his moment. But Birbal, calm as a gentle breeze, smiled brightly. “For the first question, I need a sheep!” A fluffy sheep was brought in, its wool as soft as clouds. Birbal grinned and said, “There are as many stars in the sky as there are hairs on this sheep! If anyone doubts me, they can count!”
Mehta's confidence flickered like a candle in a windstorm. “For the second question, I’ll show you!” Birbal declared, driving a sturdy stick into the ground with a loud THUNK! “The center of the Earth is right HERE! Anyone can measure the planet to check!”
Mehta’s smile turned into a worried frown. “And the third question?” he stammered. Birbal beamed at everyone with sparkling eyes. “The count of men and women is tricky because some people don’t fit perfectly into either category. But if we focus on those who do, it becomes easy!”
Mehta turned pale, his heart racing. “Are you saying I don’t fit?” Birbal chuckled, “Oh no, dear friend! I’ve answered all three questions!” Laughter erupted in the court, even Emperor Akbar laughed until his belly shook. Mehta stood there, his face as red as a ripe tomato, realizing his jealousy had turned into a lesson he’d never forget. In that moment, everyone saw how wisdom could turn tricky challenges into laughter, making jealousy feel small and silly.