The Tale of Loyalty: Rajdeep’s Sacrifice for the King

As King Vikram carried Betal, Betal began narrating a tale of loyalty and sacrifice.

One day, a king went hunting in the forest and lost his way. A kind man named Rajdeep found the king and guided him back to safety. Grateful for his assistance, the king appointed Rajdeep as his personal guard. Some time later, Rajdeep met a beautiful woman named Deepti and fell in love with her. He asked her to marry him, and Deepti agreed.

Rajdeep, happy and excited, brought Deepti to the king to introduce her. However, upon seeing Deepti, the king was struck by her beauty and immediately asked her to marry him instead. Hearing this, Rajdeep’s heart sank, but his loyalty to the king made him suppress his desires. Reluctantly, he gave up his claim to Deepti, understanding that he was only a servant to the king and could not deny his master’s wish.

Curious, the king asked Deepti, “Why do you choose me over Rajdeep?” Deepti replied, “I desire to live in a palace, surrounded by comfort and wealth.” Satisfied, the king decided to reward Rajdeep by giving him a palace and had Deepti marry him.

After hearing the story, Betal asked Vikram, “Whose sacrifice was greater, the king’s or Rajdeep’s?”

Vikram replied, “Rajdeep’s sacrifice was greater. His loyalty compelled him to put aside his personal happiness for his duty to the king. Even though he loved Deepti, he couldn’t oppose the king’s wishes.”

Impressed by Vikram’s answer, Betal acknowledged his wisdom and flew back to his tree.

**Moral:** True loyalty often requires personal sacrifice. Rajdeep’s story teaches us that devotion to duty can mean setting aside one’s own desires. Selflessness in the face of duty is a mark of true honor and integrity.