684. The Emissary

Arivanandam, who returned to his home country, after completing his mission of carrying a message to the king of a hostile country, met the king of his country and conveyed to him what transpired in the meeting he had with the enemy king.

After Arivanandam had briefed the king and left, the king summoned the minister and told him, "Arivanandam's mission has been successful. King Kathirvelan has accepted our proposal."

"Very happy to know this, Your Majesty" replied the minister.

"I don't see any sign of happiness in your tone or on your face!" said the king, with a chuckle.

"I am happy, Your Majesty."

"I understand that you are unhappy about my sending Arivanandam as our emissary, instead of Ramadasar, recommended by you."

"Your Majesty! I recommended Ramadasar, considering that he is intelligent and erudite and hence highly appropriate for the mission. But, I am not unhappy about your sending Arivanandam as our emissary."

"Acting on your recommendation, I asked Ramadasar to accept the mission. But, he told me that he won't be the appropriate choice for the mission and recommended Arivanandam, instead. I requested him to advise Arivanandam about the intricacies of functioning as an emissary. Accordingly, he advised Arivanandam. Arivanandam went as our emissary and performed his task successfully. Since you were indisposed and confined to your home as per the advice of the palace physician, I had no opportunity to appraise you of these developments, earlier" said the king. 

"Your Majesty! I am perplexed by the question why Ramadasar considered himself unsuitable to act as an emissary.When he had considered himself unsuitable for the job, how could we consider his advising Arivanandam appropriate?" remarked the minister. 

"Minister! When I told Ramadasar that you considered that he possessed the intelligence and erudition required to serve as an emissary, do you know what his response was?" 

"What did he say?"

"He said 'An emissary should have one more trait - an impressive appearance. I don't have that. The minister might have overlooked this disqualification, because of the affection he has for me. But, a good appearance is also important for an emissary. Only a person with good appearance, a keen intelligence and erudition is competent to serve as an emissary.' He then recommended Arivanandam for the job" said the king and looked at the minister. 

The minister recalled Ramadasar's face studded with freckles and wondered how he had failed to consider his unattractive appearance, while recommending him as the emissary. 

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 69
The Ambassadorial Mission

Verse 684 (in Tamil):
aRivu uru ArAyndha kalvi im mUnRan
seRivudaiyAn selga vinaikku.

Meaning:

Intelligence, good appearance and thorough learning - he who has these three in abundance, let him be the one to go on a diplomatic mission.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'amaichcharin parindhuraiyai ERkAdhadhu En?' by the same author.) 

Verse 685 (Soon)
Verse 683

168. Valliappan's Fall

When Muthu joined as the Manager of 'Meenakshi Bhavan,' a restaurant owned by Valliappan, he found Valliappan to be a wonderful person, kind and considerate towards his employees and customers. 

During the next few years of Muthu's association with Valliappan, he often wondered whether there would be other people in the world, with the noble qualities of Valliappan. Because of his esteem for Valliappan, Muthu did not consider attractive offers he received from some other reputed restaurants, at various places. 

Muthu was therefore surprised by the changes in the attitude and behaviour of Valliappan, since the time 'Meenakshi Bhavan' met its competitor in the business.

'Meenakshi Bhavan' had, for the past several years, the reputation of being the best restaurant in the town. Though some other restaurants came up from time to time, they did not grow to the level of becoming a competitor of 'Meenakshi Bhavan.'

But, after 'Lakshmi Vilas' restaurant was opened in that town, the situation changed. Very soon after its opening, 'Lakshmi Vilas' attracted more customers than 'Meenakshi Bhavan.'

"What is there in that restaurant that pulls people? Are the dishes they offer more delicious than the ones we do?" Valliappan asked Muthu.

"I don't think so. sir. People seem to have been attracted by the ambience of that restaurant. The restaurant is housed in a new building, which has a shining floor. The restaurant has other attractions like a attractive display board, fancy furniture etc. However, our business has not been affected. Some of our customers might have gone there out of curiosity, but they have not left us. Perhaps, some customers of other restaurants might have shifted their patronage to the new restaurant. Since we have not been affected by the opening of 'Lakshmi Vilas,' we need not be concerned about its popularity" said Muthu. 

"A person who came from nowhere is trying to compete with us. How can we watch it passively?" asked Valliappan. 

For the first time, Muthu saw a different facet of Valliappan's personality. 

'Why is this man, who is so kind and considerate towards every one, has a rancor towards the proprietor of 'Lakshmi Vilas,' especially when his business has not been affected by the entry of 'Lakshmi Vilas?' Muthu wondered.

From that time, the Valliappan that Muthu saw was a person totally different from the one he has been working under in the past. 

Valliappan was constantly obsessed with the thought of sabotaging 'Lakshmi Vilas.' He often discussed his plans towards that end with Muthu. Though Muthu politely suggested to him that such negative approach won't be helpful, he didn't pay heed to his words.

'Lakshmi Vilas' began to face some problems. Rumours were afloat about that restaurant. 

One rumour was that the restaurant bought rotten vegetables for a cheap price and used them for cooking. There was another rumour that some people who had dined in that restaurant developed symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach ache etc, that they were treated in an hospital and that Kannan, the Proprietor of 'Lakshmi Vilas' met the treatment expenses but made the affected people promise that they would keep the health problems developed by them after eating in his restaurant and the treatment received by them a secret. 

Other such rumours surfaced now and then. However, the business of 'Lakshmi Vilas' did not seem to have been affected by those rumours. 

Muthu had a suspicion that Valliappan could have engineered the generation and spreading of such rumours. Whenever there was a negative news about 'Lakshmi Vilas,' Valliappan would look at Muthu and smile.To Muthu, that smile appeared similar to the smile of a child that had committed a mischievous act secretly.  

After some time, an impression began to be created in the minds of the people of that town that Valliappan, driven by a sense of business rivalry, had been causing problems to 'Lakshmi Vilas,' with the intention of besmirching the good name of the restaurant. 

This perception created a sympathy for 'Lakshmi Vilas,' and an aversion for 'Meenakshi Bhavan.'

The business of 'Lakshmi Vilas' was growing exponentially. For the first time since the inception of 'Meenakshi Bhavan,' the turnover of 'Meenakshi Bhavan' began to decline. 

"Sir! Please don't mistake me for saying this. I think you should stop thinking about 'Lakshmi Vilas' and focus on improving the business of our restaurant, which is showing a decline" Muthu told Valliappan. 

"I ddon't care if I have to close down my restaurant. I won't stop till I bring down 'Lakshmi Vilas!" said Valliappan, his voice reflecting his anger and frustration. 

After a few months, a stage was reached, when 'Meenakshi Bhavan' had to down its shutters. due to mounting losses on the one hand and the lack of patronage from customers, on the other. 

Muthu took leave of Valliappan, accepted a job in a restaurant in another town and moved there.   

After a few months, Muthu happened to meet a person, who was a resident of the town where Muthu had been working as the Manager of 'Meenakshi Bhavan'

"How is Mr. Valliappan?" Muthu asked him.

"Have you not heard the news? One day, a number of people who had dined in 'Lakshmi Vilas' suffered an attack of diarrhea and were hospitalized. The police registered a case. The investigation by the police revealed that Valliappan had bribed an employee of 'Lakshmi Vilas' and made him contaminate a dish by mixing a toxic substance. Valliappan was arrested. After a few days of incarceration, he was released on bail. He has to fight the case in the court but people say that he has no money to engage a lawyer" he said. 

'What a fall from grace for a person who was wealthy and honourable!' regretted Muthu. 

Thirukkural

Section 1
The Path of Virtue

Chapter 17
Bearing No Envy

Verse 168 (In Tamil)

azhukkARu ena oru pAvi thiruch cheRRuth
thIyuzhi uyththu vidum..

Meaning:

Envy is a damned ill that will destroy one’s wealth and consign him to a fiery inferno.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'sarOjAvin kavalai' by the same author)

Verse 169 (Soon)
Verse 167

683. Who Should Be the Emissary?

"We have received intelligence reports that Gandharva country is planning to invade us. Though we have the strength to repulse their attack, we should make efforts to avoid the war, considering that a war will cause hardship to the people of both the countries. What can we do to avert a war?" asked King Neethivarma.

"We can send an emissary to Gandharva country immediately to persuade the king of Gandharva against waging a war with us" said the Minister. 

"If we send an emissary, after knowing that Gandhrva country has been planning to wage a war against us, will it not make us appear weak? The King of Gandharva may even think that we are afraid to face his troops in the battle field!"

"Yes. Unfortunately, a well-intentioned move from us may be seen as a sign of weakness on our part. The King of Gandharva will be inclined to form such an impression. But, a skilled emissary will be able to dispel such an impression and make the other side realize that we are trying to avert the war, only in the interests of the people of both the countries. In fact, he can even create an impression that averting a war would be more beneficial to Gandharva country than to us!" 

"What you say is correct, Minister! So, it is essential that we choose the right person and send him to Gandharva country, as our emissary!" said the King, smiling. 

"I have an idea about who the right person is. If you agree with my choice, we can send that person as the emissary!" said the Minister, with a smile.

"I have a feeling that you and I have the same person in our minds. That person is..." the King left the sentence incomplete.

"Tell me, Your Majesty!" 

"You are that person! It is not surprising that you were reluctant to suggest your own name for the job" said the King. 

"No, Your Majesty. I had another name in my mind!"

"Who is that?"

"The Crown Prince!"

"The Prince!" exclaimed the King. "He doesn't have much experience in dealing with people. How will he be suitable for the job?"

"Your Majesty! We need to convey two messages to the King of Gandharva. One, our country has always despised war. We have strived to have friendly relationships even with countries much smaller than ours. Two, whenever we were forced into a battle, despite our efforts to avert it, we emerged victorious. The above two messages should be strongly delivered, by presenting historical evidence recorded by writers of history and by poets, who immortalized the victories by describing them in their poems. Who can do this better than our Prince, who, even at this young age, shines as an erudite scholar, by having read a number of literary works and records of history?"said the Minister.

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 69
The Ambassadorial Mission

Verse 683 (in Tamil):
nUlAruL nUl vallan Agudhal vElAruL
venRi vinai uraippAn paNbu.

Meaning:

An emissary on a mission, seeking to secure a win for his country, by conveying messages to other rulers in an apt manner, must be a learned person among the erudite.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'thUthu sellap poruththamAnavar' by the same author.) 

Verse 684
Verse 682

167. The Jealous Husband!

"My sister Vanaaja's daughter's marriage has been fixed" Said Saroja, enthusiastically.

Her husband Subhsh, who had just returned home from work said, "Oh!" disinterestedly.

"The groom is working in the U.S." she added, with pride.

Subhash's face expression turned bitter. 

"I have been running a business, earnings millions of rupees. We got our daughter married to a groom working in India. How did your sister's husband, who is working in a small firm for a poor salary, get hold of a groom working in the U.S.?" asked Subhash. 

"What kind of a question is this? We didn't look for a groom working in the U.S. We got our daughter married to a groom from India, who is well-employed and who is earning well. My sister's family did not specifically scout for a groom from the U.S. It so happened that way" said Saroja, in a disapproving tone.

"Well. It is the people, at the bottom who often hit the jackpot!"

"Please remember that you are talking about my sister's family. Don't talk about them in such demeaning terms."

"I am only stating a fact. What is wrong in making an observation that a person of poor means like my brother-in-law was lucky to fix a groom working in the U.S. for his daughter?" said Subhash, defensively. 

"Among the three daughters of my parents, I was the only one to get married to a wealthy person. As a result, I lead a rich life. My two sisters belong to the middle class. My two brothers also have only moderate means. Logically, my brothers and sisters should feel jealous of me. But, you feel jealous of my sister's family! In future, if something good happens to my brothers or sisters, you will feel jealous of them. It is funny. But, I am not amused" said Saroja, with resentment and went inside. 

On another occasion, Subhash spoke to Saroja bitterly about one of his employees sending his son to the U.S. for higher studies.

"He is a clerk in my firm. He is surviving on the salary paid by me. And, he is sending his son abroad for higher education. How strange!" said Subhash.

"What is strange or surprising about it? People from poor families going abroad for higher studies has become so common now. Banks give educational loans. Foreign universities give scholarships. A lot of young people from poor families have gone abroad for studies, got jobs there and transformed the financial position of their parents, by sending them money from abroad!" said Saroja. 

"Is it not natural for me to become upset, if someone below me achieves something I have not been able to?"

"Why should you be upset about another person achieving something? People make use of the opportunity they get. We had only one daughter. We could have given her any education at any place in the world. We had the resources for it. But, she was not interested in higher studies. She didn't want to study further, after getting her undergraduate degree. Subsequently, we got her married. She is living a happy life. Let others do what they want and what they are able to. Why are you perturbed?" said Saroja. 

Knowing that she couldn't change the attitude of her husband, who was resentful and jealous of other people's success and achievements, Saroja managed to put up with the outpouring of his jealous feelings now and then. 

"Saroja! We may have to move over to another house. Will you feel unhappy about it?" Subhash asked Saroja. 

"This is our own house. Why should we move to another house?" asked Saroja, perplexed. 

"There have been some developments, Saroja. I borrowed money for developing my business, by mortgaging our house to the bank."

"Yes. I am aware of it. But, is your business not doing well?" 

"No, It is not. I have been facing problems in the business for the past few years. I have been incurring losses. I didn't tell you about them, lest you should be worried. I thought I would be able to tide over the situation over a period. Facing a financial crunch, I borrowed money from private lenders too, at high rates of interest. But, I was unable to set things right. The losses have mounted. Now the debt burden has gone up, with the accumulation of interest. I am left with no option other than selling our house and using the proceeds to clear my liabilities."

"What about your business?" asked Saroja, shocked. 

"I won't be able to run the business any more. I have to wind it up. After selling our house and settling the liabilities, some surplus money will be left. We will have to deposit the sum in the bank and live on the interest income on that sum. If the interest income won't be sufficient to meet our needs, I may have to go for a job."

Subhash's voice became choked. 

'My husband, who was jealous of other people's success even when he was living a life to the envy of other people, may, hereafter, have to feel jealous of every one around him!' thought Saroja.

Thirukkural

Section 1
The Path of Virtue

Chapter 17
Bearing No Envy

Verse 167 (In Tamil)

avviththu azhukkARu udaiyAnaich cheyyavaL
thavvaiyaik kAtti vidum.

Meaning:

Sridevi, the Goddess of Wealth, will despise a jealous person and direct him to her sister, Moodevi, the Goddess of Poverty.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'sarOjAvin kavalai' by the same author)

Verse 168
Verse 166

682. Choosing the Ambassador

"Three people have been shortlisted for being posted as the ambassador for an important country. After seeing the list, I have guessed who would get the job?"

"Who do you think would get it?"

"Chandramurthy."

"How can you be sure?"

"Chandramurthy is well known to the Prime Minister. When the present Prime Minister was the Finance Minister some years back, Chandramurthy was the Finance Secretary. The two had a congruous relationship at that time."

"But, the other two candidates are equally competent!"

"Al the three candidates are competent, of course. That was the reason they have been shortlisted. But I strongly believe that Chandramurthy is ahead of the other two in the race. You will see that my assessment is right, when the selection is announced!"

"But, I expect that one of the other two is likely to be selected!"

"Which of the two?"

"It could be either. Each of them has a better chance than Chandramurthy."

"Can you tell me the basis for your assessment?"

"Well. Let us look at all the three candidates. All the three are intellectuals. They are highly educated and well experienced. They are articulate in expressing their views. They show empathy and get along well with others. So, we can say all the three possess the essential qualities required of an ambassador. ButChandramurthy lacks one attribute that the other two have."

"What is that attribute?"

"My talking about this now won't be appropriate. In case Chandramurthy is selected for the post, I will accept that my understanding was wrong. If one of the other two is selected, I will know that my assessment was right. At that time, I will tell you what that attribute is." 

"The announcement is expected this evening. Once the announcement is made, I will call you."

"Hello, Congratulations! Your assessment has been proved right. Chandramurthy didn't get the post. Can you tell me the attribute that Chandramurthy does not possess?"

"I believe that an ambassador needs to possess three essential attributes. One, empathy for others. Two, a keen sense of perception. Three, speaking after weighing his words. I have observed that Chandramurthy doesn't have the third attribute. That was why I thought that the chances of his getting selected for the post of an ambassador were slim."

"How did you conclude that Chandramurthy didn't possess the attribute of weighing his words before saying something important. He had impressed me as an articulate speaker."

"He is articulate, no doubt. But, is he always discriminating in the use of words? No. You mentioned about his having been the Finance Secretary, when the present Prime Minister was the Finance Minister. On a few occasions, the statements made by Chandramurthy without proper thinking created embarrassments for the Finance Minister. The man who was the Finance Minister then and who is the Prime Minister now would not have forgotten the discomfitures suffered by him on account of the thoughtless remarks made by Chandramurthy as the Finance Secretary. As you know, even one inappropriate word uttered by an ambassador could cause embarrassment to the government. So, I thought that the Prime Minister, who had experienced the consequences of a few thoughtless remarks made by Chandramurthy in the past, won't prefer Chandramurthy for this sensitive assignment."

"Congratulations, again. Your assessment has been incisive and thorough." 

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 69
The Ambassadorial Mission

Verse 682 (in Tamil):
anbu aRivu ArAyndha sol vanmai thUtharaip pArkku
inRiyamaiyAdha mUnR.

Meaning:

Love, wisdom and discriminating power of speech are three qualities essential for an envoy.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'veLi nAttu thUthat' by the same author.) 

Verse 683
Verse 681

681. Kamsa's Emissary

"My attempts to kill Krishna have not succeeded. On the other hand, he killed several demons like Putaki, Sakata, Trinavarta, Aka, Bhaka and Vata, whom I had engaged to kill him. Now, he has gained a reputation as a person who has performed incredible feats. He has become a darling of our Yadava clan. He is admired and loved by all sections of people. If I make any more attempt to kill him, the entire Yadava clan will turn against me!" Kamsa told his friend and confidant Chanura.

"What you say is correct. We should kill him only through clandestine means" Chanura agreed.

"How?"

"King Kamsa! All along, you tried to get him killed, by sending an assassin to his place. Those attempts didn't succeed. We can invite him to our place and get him killed here."

"How do we bring him here? And how do we kill him, after he comes to our place?"

"There are many ways to kill him. We can get him attacked by the rogue elephant Kuvalayapeeta, which has been locked up in our palace. If Krishna is killed by the rogue elephant, people will perceive it as an accident. In case, he escapes from the elephant, we will invite him to a wrestling contest. There is no one to beat me in the sport of wrestling. I will challenge him to wrestle with me and kill him when he wrestles with me" said Chanura, with excitement. 

"Your idea appears plausible. But how do we make Krishna come here?" asked Kamsa.

"There is a archery contest in our capital city. We will invite Krishna and his elder brother Balarama to the event" suggested Chanura. 

"Good idea. But, they will attend the event, only if you invite them properly, by sending an emissary" said Kamsa. 

"We will send the invitation to Krishna and Balarama, through one of our palace guards and instruct the guard to bring the brothers to our palace" said Chanura. 

"We cannot send anyone as an emissary. A person to be chosen as the emissary should have some attributes."

"What are those attributes?"

"The most important attribute an emissary should have is acting with love or kindness towards others. He also needs other qualities."

"What are the other qualities?"

"He should hail from a noble family. He should have manners that will be appreciated by kings."

"Do we have a person with such attributes?" asked Chanura. 

"There is one. He is Akrura, the Minister!" said Kamsa.

"But, he is too soft and gentle. Will he fit the bill?"

"His softness is only an expression of his innate attributes like kindness and good manners. He is my father's younger brother's son. Thus, he is also the maternal uncle of Krishna. So, Krishna will accept the suggestion from Akrura to attend the event, at our place. I will send him as my emissary and ask him to bring Krishna and Balarama to my palace" said Kamsa.

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 69
The Ambassadorial Mission

Verse 681 (in Tamil):
anbudaimai AnRa kudip piRaththal vEndhavAm
paNbudaimai thUthU uraippAn paNbu.

Meaning:

The qualification of an ambassador are benevolence, born in a respectable family, and the possession of attributes pleasing to royalty.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'kamsanin thUthar' by the same author.) 

Verse 681
Verse 680

166. Priya's Wishes

"What mom, isn't there any other shirt?" asked Priya.

"Choose something good among the ones available" said her mother Thangam. 

"I don't find any new shirt!" said Priya, in a voice that appeared to be breaking down. 

"I will take a salary an advance from my office today and buy you a new set of dress tomorrow."

"I have the function in my school today. What is the use of your getting me a new dress tomorrow?" asked Priya, feeling frustrated.

Thangam found a lump of grief rising up in her throat. Why should her husband Raghuraman have left the world so early, orphaning her and Priya?

"Mom! Are we poor, or rich?" asked Priya.

"Neither. We are stuck in the middle!" said Thangam. Immediately, a thought occurred to her whether people like her who didn't want to admit that they were poor had been taking shelter under the dubious identity called 'the middle class.'

"If daddy were alive, would we be rich?" asked Priya.

Thangam didn't answer her. Her mind set out to take a quick tour of the past. 

Raghuraman was the eldest son of his parents. Kesavan was his younger brother. When Kesavan was a boy, a relative wanted to adopt him. He was a wealthy person. His wife was not alive. He was living alone. 

As per the terms of adoption, Kesavan could live with his parents. His adoptive father would take care of his education and marriage. He would visit him now and then. When he died, Kesavan should cremate him and perform the obsequies in the traditional way, as a son would perform the rites for his father. After his death, Kesavan would get his property. A will would be executed to facilitate this.

Considering that Kesavan would continue to live with his natural parents and that this arrangement would help Kesavan live a comfortable life after the death of his adopted father, his father agreed Kesavan to be adopted by the relative.

Raghuraman's education stopped at the school level, since his parents didn't have the means to give him a college education. Since, they lived in a village, college education had to be pursued in a nearby town, by staying in a hostel, making it even more expensive.

Kesavan, who completed his schooling the next year, joined a good college in a city, by taking up residence in a hostel, with his college and hostel fees met by his adoptive father. 

Raghuraman felt that it was unjust that while he couldn't pursue college education, his younger brother had the opportunity to study in a college, just because he had an adoptive father, who was rich.

"Dad! Kesavan's adoptive father is wealthy. Why couldn't he have helped me join the college, by financing my college education?" Raghuraman asked his father. 

"How can we expect such favours from him?" replied his father.

Raghuraman could not reconcile himself to the incongruity.

After completing his college education, Kesavan landed a good job in Chennai. Raghuraman also managed to get a job in Chennai. The job was not attractive, but given his level of education, he couldn't get a better job.  

A few months after Raghuraman married Thangam, his parents passed away in quick succession. 

After both his parents had passed away, Kesavan moved to a spacious house in Chennai, bought by his adoptive father. His adoptive father also stayed with him. After some time, Kesavan's adoptive father got Kesavan married to a girl from a wealthy family, 

The relationship between Raghuraman and Kesavan was reduced to almost a non-existing level. When Kesavan's adoptive father passed away, Raghuraman didn't visit Kesavan to express his condolences.

Though Raghuraman had completely cut off his connection with Kesavan, he would keep talking to Thangam disparagingly of Kesavan and his adoptive father, almost on a daily basis.  

"I wonder whether an injustice like the one done to me was ever done to anyone else in the world! We are two brothers. But, one gentleman adopted my brother and gave him everything, completely ignoring me, who was watching the show like a starving child watching in desperation another child eating a sumptuous meal. How does God tolerate this injustice?" he would say one day. 

Another day, he would say, "If somebody came forward to adopt my brother and shower him with riches, how could he accept it? Should he not have rejected it saying that he would stand only with his parents?"

"If my brother had come up in life by his own efforts, I would not have grudged his success. He is living on the charity of someone. This is not right!" he would fume another day. 

"Don't talk disparagingly of other people. Focus your thinking on what we could do to make our life better" Thangam advised him several times. Bur he didn't pay heed to her words.

One day, Raghuraman had a heart attack and passed away. Kesavan attended the funeral, as a show of courtesy. After that, he didn't bother to find out how Thangam was managing her life. 

Thangam got herself a job. She was struggling to live her life, taking care of her daughter Priya. 

"Come and have your dinner!" Thangam called out Priya.

"I find it boring to eat at home every day. Can we go to a restaurant?" asked Priya. 

"You know I can take you to a restaurant only once in a month, just after I receive my salary."

"Not good enough, mom. My friends dine in restaurants almost every weekend. I don't have good dress to wear. We are unable to enjoy dining in a restaurant now and then. Why are things this way for us?" asked Priya, giving vent to her exasperation.  

"I don't know" replied Thangam. 

Thirukkural

Section 1
The Path of Virtue

Chapter 17
Bearing No Envy

Verse 166 (In Tamil)

koduppadhu azhukkaRuppAn suRRam uduppadhUm
uNbadhUm inRik kedum.

Meaning:

One who feels envious of the wealth given away as charity to another person, will have even his kin suffer without adequate food and clothes.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'piriyAvin kuRai' by the same author)

Verse 167
Verse 165