The True Father

Betal whispered another story into the King’s ear. “Listen carefully, O Wise One. This is a story about love versus law.”

In the rich city of Pataliputra, there was a wealthy merchant named Dhan Datta. He had a baby son whom he loved very much. But one unfortunate day, during the great Kumbh Mela fair, the merchant got separated from his child in the massive crowd. “My son! My son!” cried Dhan Datta, searching everywhere. But the boy was gone.

The weeping child was found by a poor Potter named Kalu. Kalu was a lonely man with no family. When he saw the helpless boy, his heart melted. “Do not cry, little one,” said Kalu. “I will take care of you.” He took the boy to his humble hut. He named him “Mitti” because he was found near the clay pots. Kalu raised Mitti as his own. He was poor, but he gave Mitti the best food. He worked extra hours to buy Mitti clothes. He taught Mitti the art of making beautiful pots. Mitti loved Kalu. He called him “Father” and knew no other life. Twelve years passed. Mitti grew into a strong, handsome boy.

One day, the wealthy merchant Dhan Datta came to the potter’s market to buy vases. He saw Mitti working at the wheel. Dhan Datta stopped. He stared. He saw a birthmark shaped like a lotus on the boy’s neck—the exact same mark his lost son had! He rushed forward. “My son! I have found you!” He grabbed Mitti’s arm. “Come with me! I am your real father. I am rich. You will have a palace, gold, and servants.”

Kalu the Potter ran out. “Stop!” he cried. “Leave him alone! He is my son!” “He is mine!” shouted the merchant. “Look at the birthmark!” Kalu held onto Mitti. “I raised him! I fed him! I wiped his tears! He is mine!” The argument grew loud. They went to the King’s court for justice.

The Judge listened. The merchant proved he was the biological father using the birthmark and old records. The law was on his side. Kalu stood weeping, his dirty hands folded. “My Lord, I may not have given him birth, but I gave him a life.” Betal asked, “Now, King Vikram. Who is the true father? The Merchant who lost him, or the Potter who found him? If you don’t answer, your head will explode!”

Vikramaditya answered steadily. “The Potter is the true father. You see, the Merchant only gave the boy a body. That is a biological accident. But Kalu? Kalu gave him protection, nourishment, education, and love for twelve years. He performed the act of fathering. He sacrificed his own comfort for the boy. Parenting is a verb, not a noun. It is what you do, not whose DNA you carry. Therefore, Kalu has earned the right to be called Father.”

“Well spoken!” cheered Betal. “But alas, you broke your silence!” And the vampire flew away once again into the night.

Moral of the Story: Love and nurture create a stronger bond than birth. Family is who raises you.